Some older houses still have their original slate or metal roofs which if cared for can last 100 years+ Sun seems to cause as much damage to shingle roofs as anything.We've also had some older furnaces/boilers in the 50-70 year old range that were in good working condition, but we replaced them for new more efficient models.We've had hot water heaters fail at anywhere from 6 years to 35 years,

Should I install metal siding or vinyl?

I search county auditor and tax assessor/treasurer websites online to find the property owner's address and property data.

., one in the attic of their apartment and the other in a metal storage shed on the back of the property.

The building is older, it was constructed in 1960, but it has a newer metal roof.

In fact, if you spend some time with topic 415 at IRS.gov you'll find a treasure trove on how to maximize your investment after the 1031 including some opportunities to maximize deductions or take income tax free. 

The price was right, it met all the "rules" and every picture of this property just looked pristine and beautiful.

Also,is a certified check made out to cook county treasurer with her as remitter a good enough paper trail or does it have to be her personal check?

I did check metals recently so...maybe they were kind enough to show up on your site. 

On the other hand, if it is a former employer plan, you can open a self-directed solo 401k if you are self-employed, or a self-directed IRA and then transfer the 401k to one of these vehicles which can then be invested in real estate.Following are the similarities and differences between the solo 401k and the self-directed IRA.The Self-Directed IRA and Solo 401k Similarities Both were created by congress for individuals to save for retirement;Both may be invested in alternative investments such as real estate, precious metals tax liens, promissory notes, private company shares, and stocks and mutual funds, to name a few;Both allow for Roth contributions;Both are subject to prohibited transaction rules;Both are subject to federal taxes at time of distribution;Both allow for checkbook control for placing alternative investments;Both may be invested in annuities;Both are protected from creditors;Both allow for nondeductible contributions;Both are prohibited from investing in assets listed under I.R.C. 408(m); andNeither may be invested in your own business.