But in your situation as a passive (probably minor%) partner you won't have much success driving the train.However, when it comes to it and you've to a live 1031 possibility do not be afraid of the time lines.  

They said they had been driving around the neighborhood looking for a place to rent because they already lived in the area and wanted to keep their kids in the same school. 

We continued to live with our parents, save money, pay down our $50,000+ student debt bills and more than anything learn and invest in real estate in our hometown.However, after 18 months of relentless studying, networking, calling, door-knocking, and driving for dollars everywhere in Indianapolis we identified two duplexes via our newly built network that finally fit our goals (and that we could afford).

Or give me a ring while I'm driving!

All three of us live in California and think it best to invest somewhere close to where we live because it's our first property and we'd like to be able to drive there in case of emergency.  

The basement and "attic" units would not yield the rent necessary to make it sustainable.

Long story short, the appraisal was just a drive-by and came back at 255k.  

Also I would start on one side of town first and drive around (driving for dollars) and look for those abandon/boarded up homes, or when you driving by and you see for sale by owner or for rent signs call them they could may consider selling there home.

I drive an SUV and all of the back widows have a decal. 

During the renovation stage, I drive back and forth between home and property a few times a day; are those miles deductible?