Personally If these rules keep investors out or financial trouble, I think they are very worthwhile.

Over the last year and half they been sporadic with answering emails/calls and not on time with their scheduled owner payments and not getting monthly statements that show funds collected/expenses paid.

I am not aware of any hedge funds purchasing, most of the investors are mom and pop and will be using financing so the appraisal will be on the value based on comps, not revenue or future revenue.If your property is above average in condition and amenities and being offered furnished those things could get you a small premium but you will likely not get a buyer paying cash based on a multiple of past/future revenue.Good luck!

What are the risks if the person isn’t qualified?

The architect will have a structural engineer they usually use, you can go ahead and use that person or someone else.After that is done, have your architect draft a bid form/template. 

I’m a broker/owner of both a general brokerage firm and property management firm.My advice is to find an agent that is thoroughly invested in you, as a client and as a person, and understands your goals.

"Staying' in the home or 'moving in'You can't 1031 into a personal residence.

This is almost aways permissible as a source of down payment funds.

I have not done this personally but I do have several clients who are in year 1 or 2 of utilizing this strategy. 

I use Independence Title for all deals that I fund in Austin/Houston.