Something to look into with a properly licensed contractor capable of the work and familiar with your building codes.  

Arnie the judgment can be from a medical collection company, a scorned contractor, all kinds of things.If people do not show up or were given proper notice then a judgment is issued by default.The tenants can file a "motion to vacate" to have the judgment vacated.

The client I have has done several deals with me here in Vegas and i want to make sure he is represented properly in Utah.Thank you in advance for your help with this!

Thinking about the asset class properly is a huge step in the right direction.

The short answer to your questions are yes and yes.A properly structured 1031 exchange will let you exchange one rental property for several rental properties.  

Look at efficient plumbing runs by keeping bathrooms and kitchens oriented properly (back to back or above/below).

Craigslist is good because it shows current rate.Something important to ask is whether they have all the leases/rental agreement properly documented for all their tenants.  

That being said, I spend on average about 8-12 hours per month on all 5 properties (site visits, coordinating repairs, bookkeeping, etc.).

You might want to review all his properties.Seeing as I am trying to learn how to evaluate properly commercial properties and learn how to find the right one that fits my risk profile, goals, and ambitions, I'll continue to use a broker.  

If you screen properly, you find you don't have the high quality tenants looking to rent in these areas.