Ensure you work with a team that is familiar with them (accountants / lawyers).A 1031 exchange is a way for real estate investors to defer paying taxes on the sale of investment property.

I've received several call from prospective buyers asking for my help in seeing this home and stating that they sent him their personal documents after which their accounts were compromised.  

Of course that doesn't take into account rent increases so it could be less time.

Maybe look at numbers and properties you could do a potential house hack and begin to plot out moves but I don't want you to fall into the analysis paralysis group and never make a move, have people that will encourage and keep you accountable. 

Maximizing cashflow becomes a strategy choice that accounts for your market and tenants.

I have a separate account for my real estate properties and keep a base amount there.

Don't forget to account for the cost of the appraisal or any other vendors...an appraisal and survey will over $1000 combined, for example. 

The contract must contain:the contractor’s name, address and telephone numberthe approximate start and completion date, including any contingencies that would change the completion datea description of the work to be performed and the materials to be provided to the consumer, including make; model number or any other identifying information; and the agreed-upon price for the work and materialsa notice advising you that you have three business days to cancel the contract, unless during an emergency you waive the right in writinga notice that all payments received by the contractor prior to completion of the contract work must be deposited in an escrow account

I'm using my VA loan so I don't have to put any money down & can keep money in my account to fund rehab deals. 

However, if you have the time and prefer to source properties on your own, I would highly recommend the following strategies:Connect with probate attorneysVisit property auctions: These happen monthly and, surprisingly, aren’t saturated with investors.Cold callingTarget LLC owned properties: Over the years we have seen an influx of companies purchasing SF for rentals/long-term holds and they failed to account for property taxes and an increase in new construction coming to the market.