I would have been ok with the latter numbers because I have been stockpiling materials for like two months, but...I did not know if I could trust them due to the lack of "professionalism," and my lack of experience. 

And in order to defer all tax you must purchase at least as much as the aggregate net sales price of your properties.These all can seem daunting but in my experience exchanges are more successful than not.

I post my rental listings on FurnishedFinder and Facebook (there's a couple DU living fb groups) and have had a good experience with hardly any vacancies. 

My experience is that a good W2 job jump started REI, REI wealth accumulation is slow and requires hard work.

Also just look online and steal some ideas...I used to Google Luxury Kitchens and then figure out how to do the same for less $$.You'll be fine with your experience.

have you had this experience? 

I have experience with minor to medium size rehabs but nothing as extensive as needed here.

If we were heading for a crash, prices wouldn’t be holding steady like that.Now, let me tell you from my own experience—I own 32 properties, and here’s how things have played out:15 have dropped about 20% in value (mostly in areas where demand cooled off).10 have stayed flat, meaning no loss or gain.7 have actually gone up in price, which proves that not everything is crashing—some pockets are still appreciating.And I don’t touch condos.

Your experience reminds me to manage the portfolio well (i.e. sell losers) and to be patient. 

It would just need to be a situation where they have great contact with the person doing that managing of the project (I.e. have known the person for years, great reputation, person has experience in flipping etc.).