(You narrative didn't say what your SFR is worth) Make sure you tie the two transactions together as you don't want to buy her property without your property being purchased.

Early in my career, I performed economic and financial analysis on large real estate transactions.

Assuming they say yes, I tell them to imagine that they are the bank in the transaction, not the homeowner.  

You can certainly sell multiple relinquished properties and acquire one larger replacement property through a 1031 Exchange transaction. 

Few additional things:Find a local REIA and see if they have a meeting in the next week or two - make a flyer and pass it out (if they allow that)Post the property in the BP MarketplaceDo a search of all cash transactions in that area in the last 180days and send them a postcard advertising the site, might find a rehabber working in that area that way.  

I have gained some experience with commercial real estate transactions through my job, and I'm looking to learn as much as possible and get started with real estate investing.

Do you mean facilitating the transaction or actually purchasing one?

It may be the local custom, and probably will be called for in most sales transactions/purchase agreements that involve a Realtor (mostly so they know you're serious), but they are not legally required. 

Note: Investor and second home borrowers with five to ten financed properties areineligible for cash-out refinance transactions unless all of the delayed financing exceptionrequirements listed above are met.

(A) A foreign limited liability partnership shall file a statement of foreign qualification with the secretary of state prior to transacting any business in this state.