How would you best optimize a 1031 in a hot market?

[Brent Van de Graaff]

Hi,

I am about to open a 1031 and anticipate buying 2 or 3 homes ($120-180k ea.) in the Nashville/Middle Tennessee area, which is a very hot market with limited inventory. 

I haven't sold my existing investment property yet (fingers crossed for a closing next week), so the 45-day identification period hasn't officially started, but I'm trying to formulate my strategy to make sure I make the most of it.

What are your best approaches to "buy right" so to speak when you're up against the 1031 clock and battling a competitive market?

Brent