Late payments, property damage, and evictions are avoidable when you have a PM who knows how to find reliable renters.I encourage you to seek out a property management company that emphasizes tenant screening and uses modern tools for verification.

I would look up NARPM and start with them..Below are some questions I would think would be a good starting point for you to see who really treats their company like a business or a hobby.

I get into contract in my operating company and then assign the contract to the new LLC prior to closing.  

It seems a stretch to pay for the Rig with Section 179.I would have development equipment onboard and dedicate a portion of the space to developmentI could put the companies logo on the side as advertisementGiven this, what tax strategies are actually practical?

From there, I would like to consider a 1031 exchange in the future to acquire more units.My current property management company suggested that they could handle a mid sized apartment building but I would absolutely not consider them for it as I believe they have overextended themselves and communication is lacking.

@Stacey OlsonRecommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

They must be very low odds because insurance companies are in the business of making money, not paying out maximums.

I'm working with a company who owns a small, 19 unit, senior and low income apartment building.

I believe sometimes a bad experience is more reflective of the individual than the company. 

You ARE the company now, scorched earth on the company is scorched earth on yourselves!