I personally originally read the contract before signing, and there was nothing "specific" in the contract identifying the buyer as being responsible for that fee (nor what that actual fee is).

You have identified an area for much needed services.

Because there are so many systems in homes, and each system could have countless materials and choices, it literally takes years of training, field experience, and research to learn how to identify issues in the most common components.

This will identify the retail price ranges, in which you can list the rehabbed property and the price ranges, of distressed homes, you should target.You can use the Realtor to help you find deals and also use Wholesalers.

I've identified a some properties that I'd like to make offers on. 

You have so many days to identify properties and so many to close.

You have the choice of searching for a deal in your identified market or pick an alternative market that would fit your criteria.  

Only issue I see is how you would identify properties for 1031 exchange.

Welcome @Will ChenYou'll learn a lot to identify  ideal markets to buy those rental properties

There's a lot more than property management is going to do though besides identify the market rent and screen tenants though, so be prepared for a fair amount of additional hands on work if you omit management.For screening, just don't skimp on the reports and don't go with a "budget" or untested screening vendor.