The level of difficulty depends on your skillset, time, and ability to learn.

The problem that makes a 1031 extremely difficult is the 45 day window.

The many NEGATIVE opinions, while not changing my mind that sub to CAN be done safely, have opened my eyes to the very real risks involved and the difficulty of structuring the transaction so as to protect all parties; I was also surprised to learn of how many investors have observed unsatisfactory outcomes with these type deals.So, based on all your feedback, I have come to the following conclusions1.

The difficulty comes with tracking and enforcement.

It is not about buying stuff.The difficulty with measuring happiness is that it is very subjective and relative.

I've heard of people get offended with a script that comes outright and reminds them of their financial difficulties.  

I'm having difficulty finding a willing seller though.

That just hugely magnifies the difficulty of this project. 

The Yale Law Journal article, "Zoned Out: How Zoning Law Undermines Family Law’s Functional Turn," highlights this issue, noting that while family law has evolved to recognize diverse family structures, zoning laws have lagged behind, potentially hindering innovative housing solutions like co-living.Challenges for Co-Living InvestorsFor real estate investors interested in co-living, these restrictive definitions can lead to:Legal Barriers: Difficulty obtaining permits or approvals for co-living spaces due to non-compliance with traditional family definitions in zoning codes.Operational Challenges: Potential fines or legal disputes arising from housing arrangements that don't conform to local zoning definitions of a household.Market Limitations: Reduced ability to meet the growing demand for affordable, shared housing solutions.Advocacy for ReformThe Bloomberg article, "Why Are Zoning Laws Defining What Constitutes a Family?"

Factor in a buffer for unexpected expenses, especially being remote.Risk Assessment: Understand the risks involved, including market fluctuations, unexpected renovation challenges, and the difficulty in managing a project remotely.Start Small: Consider starting with a smaller project to test the waters and understand the dynamics of long-distance flipping.Exit Strategies: Always have multiple exit strategies in case the flip doesn't go as planned.