Also, a qualified intermediary helps the client execute an exchange according to the rules/laws to help mitigate any potential for a future IRS disapproval.

It mitigates your risks and you just can't take on that kind of risk.When I have a tenant question the high cost, then I tell them that the cost is ~$3/mnth if they amortize it over the year lease.

Each loss mitigation department for the banks works differently than anotherSome banks have "layers of workers"Processors, that may look and initially approve a POF letter, while others will "send it upstairs" to an "assigned loss mitigator" for approval.Think about it?

However, being intelligent is mitigating risk and not going all in on one thing.

I've been paying the highest CA tax bracket on the W2 side for many years now and have done nothing to mitigate the income. 

This mitigates a lot of risk and minimizes management headaches. 

I recommend doing your own management and using online tools and resources (BP is one of them) to mitigate risk.

I install hurricane clips on my rental properties in Jacksonville FL and after a new wind mitigation inspection it reduced my policies by more than 30%. 

If you aren't spending much and continuing to put a buffer into savings / other investments every month, that mitigates any potential risk. 

I would be interested in how to mitigate or manage the PA transfer tax.Outside of a buyer / seller split ... which can become a seller concession for the whole 2% ...