Some of these cities I've been to maybe once or a few times, but I am unfamiliar with the intricate dynamics (crime, house hold incomes, neighborhood culture and trends). 

My apologies for such a long post- it always seems like most people who have an intricate problem or question do not give enough pertinent information to begin with so that others can give informed and specific answers. 

You must know enough about the law and what you want to do in order to be able to speak intelligently to your attorney...You must know enough about the accounting and what you want to do in order to be able to speak intelligently to your CPA...You must know enough about building and what you want to do in order to be able to speak intelligently to your contractor...You must know enough about REI and what you want to do in order to be able to speak intelligently to other investors; specifically with regards to an intricate deal such as what you are proposing...Mind you - you don't have to know everything your advisors know - you shouldn't; that's why they are there.

Its amazing how intricate and detailed a nine page contract can really be...

Given the age & new information about the sellers failing health I would have  concerns about completing such an intricate deal.

Anyone who has done this before knows how intricate these deal can be! 

"Best way is to create an intricate yarn for the seller about how earnest you are about improving your station in life and then tell him how you don't want to risk any of your own money to do it.Then show him how he benefits from that.

Tl;Dr - I think there's going to be a lot more intricate factors needed to really hone in on a specific area to invest in.

They may or may not give you a discount, but you will gain the intricate knowledge while keeping the company legal and audit protection.

In a reverse exchange the QI for your 1031 creates a separate entity that takes title to the new property and holds it until your sale has closed.It's a rather intricate process as you can imagine and rather expensive compared to a simple straight 1031 exchange.