Is their a better method to getting a more precise number down?

If the grantor is an individual (or individuals) and the grantee is an entity, they are not the same party.If the goal is to avoid transfer taxes, research local statutes on exemptions and use the precise language required to fit within the exemption (if one exists).

So what I am hearing is that expenses like tools, job materials, vehicle maintenance costs must be deducted according to the IRS from my gross income.

If you want to invest in real estate, then I would keep my money liquid and not put it into a qualified plan.There are other vehicles that give your money tax free growth and you still have the ability to access it. 

Such vehicles are all about diversification and the ability to place some of your tax-sheltered savings in investment vehicles beyond just what Wall St. offers. 

If you want to buy a replacement property with the proceeds, looks like this is a perfect vehicle for doing it, i.e. defer the gain, avoid recapture in cases of a disaster such as yours.Also with the 1033, unlike a 1031, you don't have to go thru the issues of primary residence, or a rental.

As such, I'm looking to invest in a vehicle (which is why I landed on Real Estate) that someone else pays for (my renters), will generate positive cash flow, will build equity I can one day hand off to my children as an inheritance, and I can use for retirement (assuming I properly maintain the properties).I currently have a home here in SoCal (a city called Murrieta). 

I recently came in contact with a local investor in my city who is interested in making a purchase of 10 vehicles with an estimated cost of 450 thousand dollars.

Real estate investing is responsible for more wealth than any other investment vehicle in the world!

@Nicholas Kronick I lived in vehicles and worked sporadic odd jobs around the world “living the dream” being a climbing bum for much of my twenties.