We are looking to sell some investments and want to look into whether or not a 1031 is beneficial/worth the cost.  

I'm still looking to get my first property this year, but from my what I've been reading up on it'd be beneficial to look at projections: migration flow, rental trends, job growth, town/city development plans.There are a few other factors I'm sure I've neglected but some thought starters nonetheless!

I also don’t get invited to much of anything anymore which he’s invited too, since he was a better friend with most of our mutual friends.

This is an environment to start building mutually beneficial relationships and potentially the start to something greater: a mastermind group, or more tangibly a syndication on deals.

I am new to the game and want to utilize this resource I have on something that will be very beneficial to my investing career!

And yes, as you said, connecting with others successful in the Pittsburgh real estate market can be very beneficial. 

I received a quote from Liberty Mutual.

Based on demand measures for housing, it is clear that the negative forces unleashed by labor market turmoil have been substantially more than offset by the beneficial impact of record low mortgage rates and increased demand for single-family homes from those leaving cities in search of more space.

Why don't you talk your partner to put in a trust and divide up via beneficial interests and an agreement (all of which is private and can't be disclosed other than court order in most states.

Can be beneficial to understand the shortcomings of either or and offset as best as possible.