When I looked into IRA accounts, I found that it didn't do service to my situation.

We service the entire coast and consistently plan efficient physical and remote tours encompassing several cities or regions. - Property Management: No STR can be successful without quality cleaners and management.

You will have to pay an annual fee for this service, but it takes the repairs and Tenant requests off your plate. 

I have read I will need to use a third party service to make this happen.  

I suggest using a service like Mayistay.

Owners mistakenly ASSUME all PMCs offer the exact SAME SERVICES and PERFORM those services EXACTLY THE SAME WAY, so price is the only differentiator – so, they often select the first PMC they call or that calls them back!

The second company had a PM contract and due to other reasons we did not continue their services after a couple of months so tax stuff did not arise.

Basically/Hopefully that is watching rents hit your bank, and occasionally calling a repair service as needed. 

I still am on the lists of all the major wholesalers and still show up to showings occasionally on properties that might have enough margin for me but have not purchased recently from a wholesaler.Just like Adrien says, they provide a service of marketing and negotiating contracts for you.

In addition, due to the 2 of 5 year rule there often is no need.  2) you cannot 1031 a property that has not been put into service to be an investment property 3) you cannot 1031 a flip.