I used https://unifiedtitle.com/resources/o-and-e/ to run the title on the home / land to make sure there are no other liens attached.

I definitely think working with a broker that has investment properties of her own is important, but it's not necessary.Have you looked on Zillow or other resources and found properties that fit your criteria to test to see if your realtor isn't finding listed properties for you, or is nothing available that fits your goals? 

For example, through my research I have found a resource where I can buy new mobile homes directly from the factory using a bank that will finance the deal for no money out of my pocket for a year.

Is there any specific resources or links that help you out that you could send my way?

We recently purchased an 8-plex and the tenant info the previous landlord collected is spotty.

Secondly, when our rental properties that we purchase using the 1031 are bringing in rent, can we collect that money that comes from tenants, or does that need to remain in the 1031 for the 12 - 18 months that the 1031 has to stay open?

Congratulations on accumulating such an impressive collection. 

Collect a larger deposit upfront.

Would you rent a unit to a truck driver with 3x rent income but has a collection and missed some payment for his student loan and is going through a divorce?

The best terms I have seen my clients get is a $50 / unit / month flat rate fee for management, and the worst was one property management company that quoted 10% per month of collected income, plus a 1 month rent "lease renewal fee", plus 10% of any repair costs.