To start with rental properties, improve your credit score (aim for 620+), save for a 20-25% down payment, and educate yourself with books like Real Estate Investing for Dummies.Research your local market using Zillow and Rentometer.

Thats how they know your properties condition has “improved”.

The emotional / confidence factor does matter when it comes to conviction to hold over the longhaul.4) Are you improving or decreasing in the quality of area you are going into in order to acheive this cashflow in PGH?

There's nothing left to cover expenses so you better have deep pockets to cover maintenance, admin, turns, etc.If you think you can quickly improve rents to a point that covers your expenses and pads your pocket a bit, then maybe, IF it hits your return threshold.If you're buying cash, then the mortgage is not a factor. 

FHA loans with low down payments are ideal for this.In the meantime, focus on improving your credit score and maintaining a solid financial foundation.

Hey Dave, since I have mortgages on these properties, would it make sense to bring cash to the exchange to cover the mortgage amount (or pay off the mortgage before doing the 1031) and improve the cash flow for the newly acquired property?

As insurance woes grow over the next couple of years, I dont see this improving. 

A post on recapture:People are concerned about recapture when they cost segregate their improvements and for good reason.Recapture is real, and those deferred taxes will need to be paid.But fear not!

The IRS has said, since 2017, that the improvement ratio or $ value is what your taxes are assessed as, unless you have a really compelling reason to use a different value. 

While the IRS does not mandate a physical site visit, the IRS cost segregation audit technique guide (ATG) does suggest conducting “field inspections.”It’s important to note that the ATG is not an official IRS document.It serves as a guide and cannot be used, cited, or relied upon as an authoritative source.However, the recommendations in the ATG are worth considering.According to the guide: “A field inspection is recommended to document the physical details of the building, type of construction, materials used for construction, the assets contained in the building, the size and types of building systems, and any land improvements that were included in the purchase of the property and the condition of that property at the time of purchase.”So while the IRS does not require a site visit for cost segregation studies, following the guidance from the cost segregation audit technique guide can be beneficial.