And if the amount isn't too large they can either keep the note outside the exchange and pay some tax on it as boot doing a partial 1031 exchange. 

Surely you have some boots on the ground fighting the onsite battles for you right?

Real estate investing has been an interest for over a decade, in which time I've consumer innumerable podcasts, books, and have attended boot camps and master minds.Here's my hold-ups:1) I do not want to put my family in financial risk.

Also, as I am in CA, it would be impractical to be "boots on the ground" for an extended length of time to visit properties and  attend numerous auctions in person.

Outside of that you can look at crime rates, etc but having a boots on the ground or local expert would be the best benefit of where to look in a specific market.

And how do we combat it?

I have attended 3 BP boot camps.  

Hey Tonatiu, I would start with something either turnkey or light value-add, so you can start forming your boots on the ground team with less pressure and risk.

Not just BP, but region/area specific folks who are fellow 'boots on the ground' that can help you and give advice when needed.Good luck! 

I can bring money and boots on the ground.