This health issue ultimately led to a close family member passing and now I don't believe they have any family living in our area anymore.2.

Utilities will be an issue.  

The issue I have with Zillow specifically is that every URL to an address contains an unique identifier called a ZPID.

Of course when doing the 1031 exchange your basis will carry forward into your replacement property.Where you have a potential issue is establishing your intent to hold those properties but immediately selling one or more them as soon as you have them ready. 

One of the issues I have noticed is that some people think of a flip house as being the cheapest possible rehab. 

We've never had any issues whenever we submitted a claim, and they would take care of the type of situation you're dealing with.  

Beyond immediate safety concerns, the long-term financial implications, including taxes, are a pressing issue for those impacted by the disaster.

I actually have a MF in upstate NY - it is 4 hours away from me so now planning to sell it as it is just too far away to manage when there are issues. 

As indicated, I never had that issue due to the infinite return.  

A national buyer would review the BPO and maybe do some brief online research, but would not typically not know, as in your example, about the sewage issues or extent of interior rehab needed.