Hi Robert, your situation sounds exactly like another gentleman I am working with right now and helping with his 1031 strategy and execution.

Especially the ones where I had doubters saying it couldn't be done or my strategy was wrong.What's next? 

@Kyle Carter, The strategy you're looking at would be what is called a "consolidation exchange". followed by a conversion to your primary residence. 

I also think that investing remotely is something I would do after locking down my local strategy.

Personally, I do not like any strategy or approach that aims to benefit from the misfortune of others.

There are multiple strategies to take advantage of opportunities during an expansion.  

Dont rely on national number to drive your investment strategy. 

It would be nice to cashflow that much with no money out of pocket, but everyone has their own strategy and circumstances. 

My investors acquire with cash as a routine investment strategy to secure properties quickly and eliminate competing buyers using financing.

One approach that I have not seen included in the discussion is as you are still in the planning phase, you could change your approach and the facts to make it more favorable for your strategy.