I just want to document it I used the Texas Association of Realtors form, but I'm sure the BP one will suffice.  

The 3rd floor rarely has theirs on as the heat below suffices.

I'll send you a PM but suffice it to say it sounds like you need a investment-minded/experienced realtor to start with. 

Then yes, 1031 should suffice, just keep in mind the 45 day proceeds window and the 180 day closing window, I believe there are restrictions on the type of property as well..Forrest 

The latter sounds like a administrative nightmare and i am hoping having one mailbox for multiple LLCs will suffice the requirement. 

Rough guess id say 6 months of violations with supporting documentation would suffice. 

Or would a small plug-in hot plate suffice?

It suffices to prevent the fridge water/ice lines, dishwasher, washing machine & on-demand hot water heater, from freezing. 

I told him that if he provided proof of this (saying a simple screenshot would suffice), I would take that into consideration.

There are a number of downsides to consider with a portfolio loan:(1) if one of your properties struggles sufficently enough, and you can't cover your payments, a lender can foreclose on both of your properties(2) should you look to sell one of the two properties, there will likely be release provisions that make you pay down the loan beyond the amount of the allocated debt(3) given the properties are in separate markets, they will get valued differently and thus potentially have different criteria for satisfying loan underwriting.