If I was your agent I would define 2-3 target neighborhoods identify if the product exists in those neighborhoods and go from there. 

Would I need an exterminator to tear open all the siding to identify the affected wood?

"Vacation" can be removed, but identify why most visit the area.

On one hand, I will have a much longer time to identify another/more properties, but I just read that the qualifications for 'like property'' is much narrower than with a 1031. 

@Kara Courtney, you may be interested in this article that identifies a strategy that avoids some of the $800 per LLC tax imposed by California. 

I only bring up the fact that you might scare off a family because my wife shot me down on a home I wanted to buy for us to live in when she saw the traffic pattern.

You will be required to identify a registered agent with a physical Indiana address. 

Getting a preliminary sense of demand can be gained by identifying built and operating projects in the market area of the planned development and determining their occupancy factor as well comparing their rent rates.

Please elaborate how you identified the property(ies), informed the lender of your target properties, and what were the lenders requirements and process. 

The type of self-directed IRA that will best suit your situation and goals will drive the process of identifying the right firm to work with.Geography is not likely going to be a major factor as these are very specialized services with only a few quality providers.