In fact, Landlords should not only require this but add that the tenant must include listing the Landlord as an additional insured on the policy as this gives you an additional layer of insurance.

I also am a licensed real estate agent in PA and all properties are in PA.I'm not sure it the added layer has any benefits from a liability standpoint or not. 

I get cheaper install prices from tile layers than a gc to do the same job.

I figured job (population) growth level, unemployment rate, median household income (though that's probably not as vital if the focus is on B properties), proximity to major highways/malls/retail centers are some.

This is a money and time saver if you have a good number of properties with carpet and a good carpet layer.

Am I missing some vital factor here involving the components of a short sale.

The major thing I always think is vital in any purchase, whether you're experienced or not, is having a great team of advisors around you.

If you had $1M:- Bought 10 $100K homes cash, you might return ~5-7% on your money- Bought 50 $100K homes with leverage (I know 50 homes at 80% LTV is a stretch), you could pull in $120K COC a year at $12%- Use that money to invest BRRRR, you could pull in $200,000+ (infinite returns if you could find all 70% deals.Personally, if someone gave me $1M, I would build a portfolio for myself that generates an initial layer of cash flow, and then invest in into syndication deals (MF, MHP, SS, etc) to be in different markets and asset classes and take my time back immediately as I have a small child at home and want to travel more and show her the world.What is your highest and best use of your time and your investing goals?

And you'd have another layer of separation from the property itself.It's not going to affect your 1031 in any event. 

I’ll send you how I vet areas on a very granular layer.