That said, my work experience has mostly been in the audit/corporate accounting industry rather than the taxes, but am considering doing taxes on the side until investing in real estate starts to take up all of my free time.  

Anything else will be tricky and don't think they can't catch you, especially in the first year as loans are audited. :) 

Yes the underwriter can ask for them and require them, it's necessary for the audit functions needed to meet loan requirements.

Does anyone have any "statistics" (doesn't have to be audited) on the call rate and quality generated from 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc. mailings to the same list?

That being said, without a BCAD audit, the county may never know there is more square footage.  

If you use someone that is willing to help but has no idea what is required, no experience in how to administer a 1031 Exchange and/or what documents and language must be used/included, you will have a very difficult time during an audit. 

Going through audits and inspections was eye opening.

I do believe that in certain markets you could start a business just around making homes green for existing owners, everything from a simple audit thru a total remodel.  

If you let it sit there for 12 months, you intent is still held for investment and you would run the risk that your 1031 Exchange would be disqualified under audit.

@Keith A, I will second the response @Brian Kelsch gave you; however, I will mention the listed property rules.If you are audited, be prepared for the auditor to ask you to prove that you had more than one.