I think you just happen to go to the gym with a like minded individual. 

It's all a personal preference as to when you want to get started.

I'm searching for recommendations for HVAC contractors and companies that are investor friendly and have experience converting ~100 year old central boiler buildings to individual furnace and AC. 

I hand wrote letters on their “free” printer paper, and individually taped them to mailboxes.

I'd prefer to buy just one of these duplexes to start out because it would be easier to obtain financially.

Of course this is all subjective to the individual and not one size fits all. 

What do you all prefer?

I know of a bank in another state that sets up many checking accounts for trust plans, but we would prefer to use a bank in State/city, if possible. 

Preferred rate of return is over 7% 

. -- regarding issue as it relates to integrity of 1031 -- said indifferent about running business through parent or individual LLC, but assumes that the subsidiary LLCs are single member.