With all this talk about 1031 and individual situation(s) being the key component....Since this is a common analysis, there must be a comprehensive analysis tool already in existence. 

In my opinion, good partnerships always have a "trust but verify" component, and this is no different with Travis & Nader.

In under an hour I discovered that his company didn't close several transactions he claimed to have closed.

@Jack Honrothgood for you, it sounds like you discovered what is the case in most markets right now - on market properties with debt will not cash flow.can you start with a house hack? 

Here are some of the reasons why: Compared to an IRA, Solo 401k contribution limits are roughly ten times higher.There is no custodial requirement for the 401k.You don't need the additional expense and administration of an LLC to have checkbook control.There is a built in-Roth component whereas IRAs are either traditional or Roth, not both.A spouse can also participate in the same Solo 401k plan.The Solo 401k has additional tax benefits over an IRA when investing into real estate using leverage.The penalties for prohibited transactions are less severe, though it's best not to utilize this benefit :)

Surprisingly, I discovered that I was eligible for a private loan to obtain a home mortgage.

i missed the "rental property" component of the post.

What are the value add components that one should consider, like amenities.

I would hate to see the buyer default and then discover you lose everything because your contract wasn't set up correctly.Yes, you can terminate/evict as long as your contract is set up correctly.The tenant/buyer should not pay your mortgage.

If the new owner gets title insurance, the title company will usually discover the tax sale and redeem at closing.