Once in there you will find plenty of people that are doing it, although the ones that will connect with you will most likely be begginers that don't know too much. 

As Dave points out, only real estate held for business or investment use qualifies for 1031.  

People come from all over the country because in the midwest and specifically Cincinnati, it costs less.

I have asked my tenants to confirm their contact info and names of all people living in the house including name and age of their children. 

Many people say they never do, but if they can increase your interest rate 5 or 6% they might. 

@Travis AndresIf you do not have other assets to secure against - your best bet would be a private lender willing to take risk of essentially providing an unsecured loan.There are people out there that do this - expect very high interest rates.

Well besides the hard costs (construction, materials) and soft costs (permitting, architecture, fees, engineering) people often forget holding costs. 

Most people wont go that extra step.Oh, and by the way, don't send beautiful well designed post cards.

Just keep in mind that the people here are human, make mistakes, and do things "their way," and you should always do your own diligence on whatever questions you ask.

Same reason people ask criminal record.