At the very least it feels like the agents could be a little more transparent about handing me off to a colleague, often they don't even ask or tell me, they just set up a call with me, causing me to think I'll be talking to them, and then they are like "Here's my colleague he'll be handling this".

the EAT is usually a single member LLC set up by the qualified intermediary for the 1031 exchange. 

I think the level of furnishings and amenities you supply (linens, kitchenware, smart locks etc) are factors that are sometimes overlooked when setting up an MTR are important to invest in to make your property as successful as possible 

Any thoughts on a strategy that would best set me up to eventually purchase a second rental (third counting my current residence) would be appreciated. 

@Indranil Sen you can work with an agent and set up searches for properties that are tenant occupied.

The ones that seem to be meeting with success are targeting Raleigh and Durham properties with a good proximity to something in high demand (airport, university, downtown, hospital ...). 

Huge yourself 10 years and you’ll be set for life.

I have spent years just doing that dreaming and now I am looking to set some goals and achieve them.Originally from central Florida and now primarily living abroad.

You can set this up so they have no control.  

You may pay more for this sleep aid.As is now clear from Prop 19 and the massive forecast budget deficits at state and local levels, Prop 13 remains a huge target for state and local electeds. 1031 exchanges seem to be impaired by Prop 19.