We currently accept rent from tenants using a variety of 3rd party apps-Cashapp, Venmo, Zelle but are moving away from accepting payments in our individual names and want to start accepting payments directly to the LLC/business accounts, but LLC accounts do not accept Zelle and there is a fee for using business accounts on Venmo.

These are features like online renter payments, tenant portal (for payments and work orders), help keeping track of work orders, tax reporting features, and accounting functionality.

Most likely your conclusion is correct, but the only way to confirm it is by having a real estate accountant review your tax situation.Also, please read this introduction if you want to better understand the concept:https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/51/topics/1075919-five-...

They get a higher return since they are covering housing cost, have the $250k per spouse primary residence deduction in gains, is a savings account, higher leverage position, lower interest rate possible, will pay more premium for location, etc.House might be overpriced for REITs but not for home owners.  

The ultimate answer is no (and I'm not a tax accountant).

if you have an LLC and both properties are under it, you just need 1 operating account.If both are under your personal, 1 bank account specifically for the rental is enough for operating.Security Deposits should always be a separate account altogether.

A great deal of accountants work with out of state clients.

Please speak with your tax accountant asap or find a 1031 intermediary asap.

You must find a team with a long track record of experience that you can hold accountable.

And 1/2 of that is accounting that I could farm out too, but I enjoy it.