I'm on house number 4 that I've lived in and renovated, so I agree that's a good strategy (I've done it just through life, not actually a purposeful strategy). 

“Courses” are often hype pieces that promote all of the good and underreport the bad.

Any contacts in setting a good team of contractors (general purpose) and cleaners? 

Just make sure your personal use doesn’t exceed 14 days, or 10% of the rental days, to maintain its rental status for tax purposes. 

While James' mentorship program promotes the success stories of students making substantial income, the reality on the ground tells a different story.

They just started sending me promotional emails again since a month or so back and their prices look decent.

However, there's a critical detail that many tax advisors conveniently overlook when promoting these studies.Here's the uncomfortable truth: If you're a high-income earner (AGI > $150,000) and not actively managing your properties, those promised tax savings might be locked away for years.

In your case, transferring the property from a revocable trust to an LLC where you and your wife are the owners should not affect the 1031 exchange, provided the LLC is a disregarded entity for tax purposes . 

It is my understanding that the new owner will have the house at the cost basis of my purchase price, for calculating capital gains taxes or depreciation.For gift tax purposes for you - FMV.For capital gain tax purposes for the recipient - your original basis/purchase price 

LLC-A is a disregarded entity for tax purposes and I report the rental income/expense on Sch-E.