Everything is good, wonderful, well worth the money, an investment in your future, member of a tribe, the networking alone is worth the money, yada, yada, yada.  

NETWORK!!!

This will go a long way in creating a network and future sellers and buyers will start to see you as a resource in this arena.  

I would also add networking and connecting with local agents in your area.

It's doesn't really sound like you are much into being landlords so doing a 1031 might just change from "annoying when things come up" to full fledged head aches when you buy more and or larger properties in your current market.

Honestly, I think this might be more symptomatic of larger issues in the real estate world in general.

Feel free to inquire about their staff qualifications if it's a larger organization.2.

NETWORK!!!

Finding a good PM will cover your concerns on managing the rental from OOS and a good agent should be able to provide you with their network of deals, including on and off market opportunities. 

I have a team and large network of wholesalers, contractors, property managers etc.