If your intent it primarily to resell (the definition of a fix n flip) then you can't 1031 it.But that being said, there are a bunch of my clients over the years who have shifted their model slightly so they can get the adrenaline rush of fixing and the tax deferral of 1031.  

Take into account variables like affordability, property taxes, rental regulations, and vacancy rates while doing in-depth market research to find viable investment areas.

A bunch of muni's (tax free), some treasuries, VOOG and maybe 10% to dabble in real estate. 

Tax Considerations: What taxes should I be aware of for property management services, even if the properties are mine?

I bought 10 acres of vacant land in Joshua Tree CA at the county tax auction. 

Can I avoid paying capital gains tax some how?

Accountants are in such demand, that the best are not even accepting clients half the time.The other problem I see often with accountants on here is that they specialize in larger investors, and have really high prices when you as a smaller investor do not need all the bells and whistles.Another thing I see is folks thinking they need to have a tax professional in their state.

I moved from NorCal to live and invest in Reno, NV because I still wanted to be close to the Bay Area but wanted to have much more favorable landlord/tenant laws, low property taxes (that don't reassess on the sale), consistent diversified job growth, and land constraints for higher appreciation. 

They do require that a permit be acquired (super easy) and hotel tax get paid (a little more complex but there are ways to make it easy), but otherwise there are no regulations to speak of.  

Its so the State can record the improvement and increase your property taxes .I make a great living redoing work done by hacks .