I locked the contract with the seller (the bank) with an agent involved in the transaction representing the bank, and my contract was vested in the name of a newly formed entity or trust.

It would be a great story to tell that in my grandfathers passing he inadvertently helped launched my RE investment journey.

Not a newly renovated house though. 

On most sites, that will show the property as newly available, which gets more attention. 

I also visit the operation before putting anything under contract to look at properties newly renovated to see what a finished renovation looks like.We backed out of a contracted TK purchase twice.

Long time lurker, and newly committed to being a RE investor for 2019.

CASE STUDY:My wife and I are newly married.

A small portion of this may be used for renovations on the newly purchased property from the 1031.Based on my preliminary research, it seems that this should work.

Sounds like you're doing a lot of good work to get your portfolio launched.

I'm not sure what the rent control laws are on bumping rents on newly vacant units vs renewal of leases but I'd want the tenants to move anyway so I can move it to market rates, or close to.