I'm still in the process of growing my portfolio, but have heard others 1031 all their smaller properties into a larger building and have a property management company manage, OR, set up a seller financing deal with another buyer that gives you the cash flow you desire. 

Also note that my company will possibly either cover closing costs if we sell or provide property management for two years if we rent.

You can put a mortgage into a "trust: without triggering a due on sale but again contacting your bank/lender is the best route to avoid any issues.Some banks/lenders or servicing companies change guidelines and even a trust may require other paperwork but the attorney usually facilitates that to be safe.  

Every company has atleast 1 person who leaves a negative review but what you fail to realize is that this is real estate.

S&P500 index is propped up by about 7 companies that make no material value with P/E ratios of about 3% for the market average.

I'm a local investor, flipper, and property management company owner.  

I would say they are a good company to go with. 

I work for a flooring company as a designer and meet contractors and people who flip homes regularly so it has me flirting with the idea of doing it myself.My question is, how did you get your spouse to be on board with real estate investing?

That could be your PM company if you plan to hire one. 

Gas company couldn't schedule to turn in gas till 5/6!!!