Since you're selling 8 SFRs, this could break up into multiple distinct exchanges (most likely), but you have the option of combining multiple sales into single exchange purchases. 

Ultimately the Red/Blue crap doesn't matter, it's about freedom.

Please share reading material , getting started guides or books that might help.I am currently based out of the San Francisco Bay area and I am looking to invest within a 2-3 hour driving range.RegardsYour main goal is to understand the market (demographics, traffic volumes et cetra) and understand what makes a good deal (look at what has actually sold and at what price combined with building out a pro formas to understand it).  

Or maybe you want to do a combination of the above?

Then, there are many other companies that sell every plumbing product for more-retail prices.A sewage ejector pump does not cost more than $300 to $450 at the very max and they take about 15 minutes to install after the tank is opened and the crap is removed.

However as a rule we have a baseline credit score (620) if they are below that- all applicants for the home combined, then we automatically require a double deposit (or higher deposit if double isn't allowed in your state).

You can't combine Roth and Traditional money in one account unless you do a Roth conversion, which would be a taxable event.There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to investing using your retirement funds, but you certainly can own rentals with leverage in an IRA and this can be very profitable. 

Or maybe you want to do a combination of the above?

Visitors could combine a beach and city holiday all in one and a beach holiday there would be less expensive than on the most popular islands.

Combined Loan to value (CLTV) are up to 85% for cash out for primary homes and up to 70% for investment properties (max CLTV depends on credit score).