You can always open/start a 1031 Exchange and then let it fail on purpose if you do not find anything that makes sense and that is suitable for you.

I was doing a pretty small kitchen so I had to find a remnant that was suitable.  

If the underwriting is following Fannie Mae guidelines, then this section applies: B2-3-01, General Property Eligibility; Property Requirements (pg. 273): The mortgaged premises must beresidential in nature as defined by the characteristics of the property and surrounding market area (see B4-1.3-03, Neighborhood Section of the Appraisal Report) ...suitable for year-round use.Seems like you should be Okay. https://www.fanniemae.com/content/guide/sel041514.pdf

While I could be wrong, I don't believe typical stuff from Anderson, pella and marvin are suitable for this design.As an investory thinking about the project in the context of a flip, maintaining a lower cost basis is a priority of mine, while delivering on thermo-efficiency and design.  

Can one expect to find suitable deals from foreclosure listings, auctions, etc., or are the really good deals found from direct connection with desperate homeowners?

A" product is somewhat subjective, but it is generally not suitable for small real estate investors.

The seller and I finally agreed on dates that are suitable for both parties and had the attorney rewrite and extension for all things encompassing. 

A few minutes with a jigsaw and I had an opening suitable for a 30" oven, which are easy to find.

ZillowOnce you get leads, you can send them a google form or jotform link to get their prescreening questions and then qualify your tenants for suitability.

I really want to avoid vinyl to preserve the character of the house - still shopping for something that looks good, is energy star, but isn't too expensive (=still suitable for a rental).