Essentially, a 1031 exchange is that neat little trick in the U.S. tax code letting you swap out one investment property for another “like-kind” property, all without taking a tax hit upfront.

Most of it will be DIY with inspections to make sure it's to code.

Because these communities would be in smaller towns and rural communities, the licensing jurisdiction is the county, meaning that code requirements are more often vested in the fire marshal and are less onerous than city requirements for the buildings and the site improvements.

I am thinking I'll have to set aside expenses to redo the wiring, plumbing, etc and bring them upto code. 

Also, I have dealt with 6+ Chicago evictions in one building lolI have learned that if I take all these rough experiences as a badge of honor and share them like you are, each one only makes me more equipped to be a better investor.The education & experience received in 1.5 years takes some investors 10 years! 

Go on Zillow, type in your zip code and the bed/bath count, and see what is currently for rent.

@Michael Plaks Honored to me mentioned by you, in such esteemed company!

After that you'll want to see what sub-market/zip code might make sense given the relative rent/price ratios.

What part of (or zip code within) LA County are you looking in?

They're not going to add much cost to the permit and you want to make sure everything you do is up to code.