We use software that tells us risk levels of potential applicants to avoid these type of issues.

Does anyone know the high level implications of undoing a 1031 exchange? 

Granted, I self manage so I am meeting tenants, but at the end of the day, getting this gut check on the person I am going to trust living in my property kept me from having any issues with my tenants that would require a "more landlord friendly state".Given the wide swath of the country that is "landlord friendly", I would think more about places you know well and/or have ties to already.  

Best Starter Markets: For investors just starting, which cities tend to have good entry-level opportunities for multi-family units but aren’t too saturated or risky?

It's great to have someone with your level of expertise and experience here.

Removing trees is expensive (trust me) and they do have benefits like shade and privacy.

I'll DM you some high level dd tips for future projects that have helped me a ton (historically they've been removed for some reason if I respond to the forum)

It's most beneficial if you have multiple properties or plan to scale.This would be more for operational efficiency at your level.

Go to a new home community, sell it out, then turn around and become a realtor and pick up all the resales since you would know everyone in the community and hopefully they all know love and trust you.As you consider brokerages to actually join, look to see if they are public or not. 

Trust, supply, demand.