Since then I got into the trades actually learned how to manage a property/tenants. 

If I gave you a range of $25 -85 and told you it depends on the specific trade, location, type of construction, density, number of stories...Knowing the costs of all the pieces is useful, but is a moving target.

.#2 - Start going to events like those at Home Depot on Saturdays, where they show you how to tile, or other basic trade tasks. volunteer to help friends, volunteer for a Habitat For Humanity project.

(I am already working to trade my time for others' capital through networking at my local REIA.)My husband's job is AWFUL, but it has great benefits, and he cannot switch jobs right now.

After expenses, it will be cash flowing 1k/month.My thought of doing a 1031 exchange seems like an option..trade in a 170k house for a few 250k homes and increase my portfolio by 600k.

The short answer is yes you will likely trigger a tax consequence for selling your property. 

I know that we're not choosing the "safe" route, but I know that if my mom doesn't replace her income and tries to go back to her job she will have a second stroke within a few years, and the consequences of that will be permanent and life altering, if it doesn't kill her.

I got a lot of inquiry from buy/sell/trade groups on Facebook.

What are other, non-tax, consequences and risks of excluding one of the spouses from the legal ownership?

Except I don't know the tax consequences of scenario#3.I know the returns and appreciation are not guaranteed.