Every town has its own time period and it is something you should be aware of in future deals you might do 

During this period, the minimum temperature is 20C.

It's FREE and a lot of people, including tenants searching for a home, come through this site to find what they're looking forScreen and select qualified tenantHost an open house personallyHave application forms ready with requirements, what's going to happen in the screening process, and the qualities you expect from your tenantsAvoid fair housing problemsLease-Up the tenantSet and collect the rentImplement day-to-day operationsHave a handyman you can trust and who will get the job done in a timely mannerGet things done in order to keep your business running smoothly (rent, taxes, mortgage, maintenance, etc.)Know how to renew leases AND how to deliver termination letters and deal with evictionIf they're a good tenant and you're a great landlord, your tenants will have no problem renewing a new lease period with youIf they're not a good tenant and start missing payments and etc use your current relationship with them to reason out a solution.

My question for those that have done this or are familiar is what is the better strategy....1) Identify and purchase multiple properties in the 1031 exchange or 2) Purchase the first property in the 1031 and then after the needed seasoning period, do a cash out refinance and then purchase the second property.I am not sure if one strategy is easier or more cost efficient than the other?  

Probably 2 buyers or so will be SERIOUS Cash BuyersThen you get your Deeply discounted deal & present to your buyersSOLD quickly cause you've lined up your buyers ahead of time, which is great cause your inspection period is running out and you were almost out of time.So what's greater in your area Supply or Demand ?

For example, in the 2009-2012 period, multifamily was a clear winner because there was a huge tenant demand coupled with fire sales and irrational investor fear.

And what is a "graceful" period of time when opening a HELOC - letting it sit - and then going after a conventional loan for purchase?

Also, you may want to consider getting properties that meet your quick and dirty math under contract first and then do your deep dive during your option period.

Have everyone show during that time period.

IRS liens get in line based on time just like any other lien, but an IRS lien has a 120 day right of redemption (and potentially longer in states where redemption periods are longer by state law).