This is very simple. 

While discussing various strategies with another investor friend, I suggested that I’d like to do a 1031 exchange, taking my equity and rolling it into a smaller home to start my BRRRR endeavors.

I don't hate it but you need to and likely can buy it lower than the numbers that you are suggesting.

Do you suggest to go with a GC?

Any suggestions or recommendations for pros who can help me out in the NYC area?

Keep it simple and get an umbrella policy for extra coverage.LLC property manager can't file in court the same as you as person, your liability coverage cost increases, any code violations are treated differently, your bank account cannot be not mingled...

While it's unlikely that all burners will be used simultaneously, I want to ensure proper ventilation in case tenants decide to cook large meals regularly.The standard rule suggests dividing the BTU by 100 to determine the required CFM for the vent hood.

I suggest Nevada because of the proximity to CA, landlord friendly, and low property taxes.

The day after closing on the home I quit my job and got into mortgages (my lender was also a friend from high school and made the process so incredibly simple).

Any suggestions or personal experiences/insight would be appreciated.