Could a long term lease could be written as a series of short term leases (less than 30 days), and thus qualify income from the rental as "Active" and thus allow the tax filer to file as a "real estate professional"?

Tax advantages, appreciation, costs just a few things to consider but with a long-term view like Marcus said, you'd be in good shape to start.

If you identify more than 3 properties that add up to more than 200% of your selling price then you have to buy 90% of them or your exchange fails and you owe all the taxes.

Tax question. 

I’m interested to know how to get around it when my taxes & insurance (including flood) are all paid through an escrow company. 

Same strategy -> Let the data drive decisions (include updated tax, interest rate, rent numbers, etc.)2. 

He also gets to enjoy California's low property taxes and high appreciation which has worked well for him. 

Well what I was thinking that I could do was look for a tax deed property in a decent area (closer to one of the colleges in town) and use my business credit to acquire the property and to renovate.

You can successfully and fairly easily manage an STR out of state, however for your first one I think it can be helpful for it to be within driving distance (3 hours or less) and it will simplify filing / paying for taxes and tax preparation.

I don't know about Ohio but my property tax rates are 2.77%.