1031 QI and Portfolio lending recommendations

[Doug Dattawalker]

At some stage in 2021 (depending on my tenants) I will be looking to do a 1031 exchange into a property portfolio.

I will need a 1031 Qualified Intermediary and a Portfolio Lender to finance the deal. I have some questions and would appreciate some recommendations. 

• Should either my QI or my lender be located in the State(s) I will be investing in? I won't be investing in CA where my current property is. Are there pro's and cons in either? 
• Does my HELOC count towards my minimum loan in the new property (along with my current mortgage)?
• Can I do a 1031 from a single townhome (former primary residence that has been rented consistently for 5+ years) to a portfolio of SFR's or small multi's?
• I am assuming that a portfolio loan will be better and easier to manage than trying to secure individual financing for all properties at same time. Is this correct?

I'd really love any recommendations for 1031 QI's or portfolio lenders you have successfully worked with previously

Thanks in advance,

Doug