Once you generate enough income through passive investments, you can then pivot from your full time job, if that was your intentions from the beginning. 

As @Wayne Brooks stated- a 1031 is doable within a few months, particularly if you can show that your intent was to use as a STR and not just a flip.

That is definitely my intention if all goes well

Should I be reaching out to the realtor simply to ask what the estimated rehab cost is even though I have no intentions to purchase?

The intent is to get a cash out re-fi in Feb 2020 after remodel is 100%. 

Hi Alex,  Your advice feels like a breathe of fresh air. 

I've also heard from a mentor that a few companies up in the DC area are buying up land in the greenbrier area with the intent to turn the into Resort/Tourist locations so maybe they are thinking long term and a completely different direction than Multifamily/Commerical investments?

However 1031 won't be available for you until you purchase a property with the intent of holding. 

The house is now listed for sale and he came out of no where and sent me a notice of intent for lien. ($65,000).

The house is now listed for sale and he came out of no where and sent me a notice of intent for lien. ($65,000).