I want to ensure a smooth transition between owners, but closing on the last day of the month seems a little tricky. 

What do you do to ensure your safety if you are renting out a unit/units right next to the one you live in? 

In your more northern clime though, gas heat is probably more efficient than electric heat pumps which are common around here.If the tenant really really wants an electric dryer, I'd offer to split the cost with them.

We would calculate monthly costs, rental income, repairs, capital expenditures, etc... to ensure the numbers worked out well and we just got really lucky on this house.

We went through BBVA for that, they were very efficient. 

I have several PMs and vendors in Cleveland that I'm confident in and am thinking of a hybrid model where I run the financials through Buildium on my side and have a point person on the ground to ensure I have total transparency on cash movements.Thanks in advance and I look forward to responses, Jeff

Ft value, the ability to comfortably lay heads, efficient and respectful layouts, updated maintenence, thoughtful finishes, and cleanliness.

I want to ensure my 1031 goes through.

Make sure to properly vet the prospective tenant to ensure you would rent to them under normal circumstances. 

Well and septic on site, and gas via tank if determined that it would be cost efficient.