To lead this process of decision-making, formulate distinct preconditions for investing, among them cash flows, expected returns, tolerance of risks and investment timelines.Good luck!

Since you're selling 8 SFRs, this could break up into multiple distinct exchanges (most likely), but you have the option of combining multiple sales into single exchange purchases. 

As my wife and I are both over 45, we require a distinct approach to ensure we can retire within the next 10-15 years without having to work, particularly in physically demanding jobs, until our final days.

As long as the distinction stays clear in your mind, I think you will avoid any serious pitfalls.

important that there is often a distinction (however vague) between first time "investor" and first time "homebuyer" - always have to confirm if/what the difference in program eligibility is

A different investor will have different criteria.On the other hand CrowdStreet tends to have one of the largest volumes of deals.

B/C in the day were where the largest client for that counties title company they insured our properties the day after we recorded the tax collector deed.. ( about 60 days to get it) and boom we resold.. never had an issue with hundreds upon hundreds of these our company did.. 

Zarrin  Crowdstreet has traditionally had the largest # of deals to choose from (although at the moment has just a handful). 

Nationwide has the third largest children's hospital in the U.S. here in Columbus.

Small enough but experienced enough to have good referrals (the profile pages of QIs here on BP can get you started) means you'll be in good hands since at the largest QIs in the country your experience will be dictated by the sales manager assigned your file and not necessarily a senior consultant.You've had a good experience with yours to date.