I have only been declining based on credit so far so I haven't gotten to the point yet where I needed to do the prior landlord interviews, but will definitely be interviewing as many prior landlords as possible.

So have to make sure you interview beyond just asking the simple "can you do this for me". 

When your interviewing companies I'd suggest to ask about maintenance, and even talk with leasing agent as well. 

If the report looks good, We have a phone interview. 

The rules are designed to prevent related parties from engaging in exchanges that shift high basis property for low basis property, followed by a sale of the low basis property, effectively "cashing out" without recognizing gain.If you sell a property to a related party as part of a 1031 exchange, both you and the related party must hold the exchanged properties for at least two years following the exchange.

If you consistently analyze properties, recognizing a good deal will be much easier when it shows up.

(I recently saw an article in Forbes talking about the Bay Area’s shifting market) And if you aim to hold properties long term, keep your eyes on towns around the Bay that have had consistent rent growth.Here in my home market of Phoenix, I see investors branching out to places like Austin, Chicago, and even Omaha from what Ive heard because they recognize how trends can shift quickly.

Try interviewing at least three managers.1.

approach it the same way you would interviewing a business partner because that is what you will be. 

Stay hyperlocal and get a good team in place locally so you can recognize good people when you find them.