I am currently  in the process of purchasing my next primary home in GA using a VA loan and my own savings as a down payment. 

The purchase you are using as an example was purchased in one of the worse years for purchasing RE ever. 

Roll out the red carpet.I don't know how it works up in Canada (although I'm fascinated to learn), but if you're not using a well-connected broker, then I would skip the skip tracing.

Great work on using a 1031 exchange.

While using a QCD may encourage the Clerk to accept the deed for recording it won't help if the DOR decides to audit the information provided with the conveyance. 

It's dollars in your pocket when you sell - or it's added buying power if selling using a 1031 exchange.2.

What other downside is there to using a service like this?

I heavily recommend using a PM. 

I was wondering how many of you are using a general contractor to manage the project and still making a decent profit building spec houses?

If you are looking 3-5 years down the road In my mind I'd want to have a "not to be under xyz amount" whatever that is to make it make sense to you, but then having the property appraised or using a CMA from a local broker to guid the valuation rather than zillow.