@Kenneth LaVoie, you can get a 1031 QI involved anytime before closing, I'd be happy to set you up with my QI team backed by the security of First American.

So I was watching YouTube and a "guru" mentioned you can take a loan out on your indexes/stocks as it is a secured loan at a fraction of what you would get on a regular loan (1.5% instead of the 3-4% on a regular conventional loan) and that you can borrow around 40-60% of your portfolio amount.I looked online for info even close to this but couldn't find it, I have a sizeable 401k so wanted to look into this - any insight greatly appreciated

Many people don't properly run LLC, so they have an illusion of security more than actual security.My best advice is have good liability coverage limits on your insurance.

Now, his idea to get the deal done is that he takes care of securing the deal, securing the mortgage (I would not be able to get a mortgage since I am 23 years old & not enough “working experience” for a loan), he also found the deal.

Don't be surprised to be turned down for a place or requested to provide a larger security deposit.

We went and looked at houses yesterday found one we liked.We have done research on the area through airdna and have secured a lender.

There no longer is a contract so he said the seller is not in breach anymore as the extension ended 12/31. 

So while I collect the 1.5 months security deposit, I cannot collect a pet deposit on top of that.

Vetting properly should reduce this risk but I'd at least want the security knowing that we're not tied to living with each other if there are issuesAside from these two questions I have for the builder, is there any other question you'd recommend I ask the builder? 

Because the borrower is not personally obligated on the mortgages securing the investment properties, they are not included in the property count and the result is only two financed properties."