In my state, you must be a licensed real estate agent to property manage.

Local investors and agents will also have helpful recommendations—they are two of the best sources for finding a reputable local inspector.

My wife is a agent(mostly for our personal transactions)  can anyone offer some advice on who I talk to when I’m ready to start the 1031 exchange?  

Hard to scale on these larger deals Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

An agent in Austin just told me that earnest money is not really used anymore.  

Next is to start building a strong network of local contractors, property managers, agents, lenders, and attorneys—they’re key to keeping things moving smoothly.

I sell land as an agent, I've been a land broker for 15 years, focused on Southern California, FYI.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

I am considering them as my real estate agent and property management company, so any feedback regarding how they work, how trustworthy they are, and how it is to work with them is greatly appreciated; thanks

I am guessing you are not working with a real estate agent.