I can’t speak to PA laws, but it would be very difficult (as you are aware from personal experience) to ensure quality work on your property if they hire their own people.  

If you speak to them and they say something different please let me know.

@Matthew Gangi  Speaking from my location and from my experience starting out.

My wife and I are both veterans, so are entitled to VA home loans. 

@John ThedfordAgreed, and she can meet me in person so we can speak about everything we need to cover.

@Nik MoushonI’d like to hear where these great loans are that you speak of.

I have it set up to send me notifications when my criteria is met (there's your deals coming in, so to speak).

I can't speak to other parts of the country, but Jacksonville is rocking along.  

As mentioned above, speaking with your CPA about your tax liability is extremely important when deciding if a 1031 Exchange makes financial sense.

I do plan on using a CPA to file my taxes (first time.... always have done my own in the past but 2018 was first year owning rental properties), but I like to have my ducks in a row, so to speak, by being well organized BEFORE engaging the CPA.'