But he gave me a phone # which I traced back to Xplicit Home Loans and someone called Hughes Reid.I got suspicious when he said they did not need to do an appraisal and could close in a deal worth $2M in 4 days!

@Dan Wentworth are you still happy with the program and did it help you close a multi-market deal?

Are you close enough to keep an eye on the property?

They would essentially gift the money from the lenders perspective, but from the 1031 perspective the funds will be transferred directly to escrow at closing so it may satisfy both sides.

I'm in the process of closing on my first ever home purchase in the City of Roanoke.

I got a good feel from the initial consultation with respect to them being investor friendly, for example the CPA I spoke to said that their clients often run deals by them before closing to foresee any tax implications. 

Our property is zoned for 6 stories because we're very close to a commercial street with great public transportation. 99 walk score!

Having trouble getting approved when property is on a barrier island close to water ?

I recommend a community bank close to the property, to include credit unions. 

When they go under agreement they have to get site approval from corporate and have to get permits from the city and county and do not want to close on a property until then.