The qualified intermediary for the 1031 has to be in place prior to either selling the old properties or buying the new property.

Since you notified the owner that the tree was a hazard prior to cutting it (and it clearly was a hazard judging from your photo IMO), I think you did the right thing and should get reimbursed.

Our tenants left without giving prior notice and did not pay for last months rent.

My ultimate goal is to become a real estate investor, except I don't have any prior experience in this industry and am still a bit lost as to where to start.

Possibly low for FL, but not low for a normal AC.Even if it was dust causing the AC to not work, which I extremely highly doubt, prove it wasn't built up dust from prior years. 

Prior to the site, I was set on areas around the university of Toledo, but after a few months searching, I’m still holding my bag. 

The advice of the prior two posters: "speak to your CPA" is spot on.If you are investing in syndications that have activity in states outside your own, your tax situation is sufficiently complicated to onboard a professional.

Prior to this we did get the occasional person thinking it was too cold, but we only get that about three times a year now with 3 pool cabins.  

Do you have any prior knowledge of RE?

Then my prior residence becomes a rental.