It is a common practice and comes at no cost to you.I would also recommend you require your tenants to get tenant's insurance and add you and your property manager as additional insured as well! 

The only payment you should accept is 100% in full, including late fees and court costs, and it has to be in certified funds (cash, money order, cashier's check).

Can try to reposition to Class B, but neighborhood may impede these efforts.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, but 15-20% should be used to also cover tenant nonpayment, eviction costs & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores of 560-620, many blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 2 years.

All that does is cost you more money. 

We have substantial closing costs on the sale, primarily transfer tax and realtors' commissions.

I know hands on experience is much more effective than reading about it or listening to it.I'm still not exactly sure what niche I'd like to work in the most. 

In my opinion, inspections are essential for effective property management.

@Steve Boss,  Here's a BP blog we wrote recently on costs nationwide - https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/how-much-does-a-1031-exchange-cost.Just because an exchange is cheap doesn't make it bad. 

Can try to reposition to Class B, but neighborhood may impede these efforts.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, but 15-20% should be used to also cover tenant nonpayment, eviction costs & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores of 560-620, many blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 2 years.

I'm afraid skylights might leak or increase the cost.