Would you recommend speaking to all of the tenants living in the property to confirm rent prices and confirm their backgrounds?

I'd want to take a look at the docs to be sure but I think you could even complete the 1031 with a change from JT to TIC at 33 1/3rd each (speaking to federal 1031 issues only - state issues can cloud things but not from a 1031 perspective.)

Ask to speak with some of their current owners and current/former tenants.

See the quality of his work. 

His experience speaks for itself and his observations are invaluable as always!

We have used companies like InfoUSA and other list generation sources in the past, but found that we had a hard time finding the owner directly and ended up speaking to a lot of property managers etc. which wasn't particularly effective.Does anyone have any ideas of companies or processes we can employ to help us identify properties and then get in touch with the true owners of the building?

Speaking from an environmental consultant stand point you will most likely need a ESA (Environmental Site Assessment).

I'm out of the greater Charleston, SC area so I cant speak for Chicagoland.  

I always suggest speaking with an attorney and cpa about short sales. 

Hi Josh,Investment properties have no first time homebuyer goodies to speak of, and FHA loans aren't just for first time homebuyers.