The problem is, if we do 1031 exchange, we cannot use any of the profits towards rehab costs. 

@Theresa HarrisNo there was no money exchanged at all from what I know.

Networks could be: local builders exchange, local and regional homebuilders association, search on websites for NAHB, NMHC, ULI, attend real estate meet-ups, attend real estate conferences. 

@Tyler Roberts sure here's a piece of guidance; be more specific, take more action, offer more value.Figure out what are of real estate you want to be involved in, find people operating in that space that you admire and would like to learn from, and figure out what unique value you can bring to them and offer than in exchange for guidance / mentorship.Your post is very vague and you probably won't get many investors jumping into your DMs to help you out based on this alone.

I eventually want to sell them both and do a 1031 exchange for a larger multifamily, but not there yet. 

You can look for notes on LoanMLS, FCI exchange, and establishing a relationship with a servicer.

The fastest and low-cost way to get started in real estate:Call prominent real estate investors in your market can contact them and ask them if they will mentor you in exchange for sourcing deals.

As this is out first venture into real estate, we're looking to learn, network and exchange thoughts/ideas!

I would like to 1031 exchange the SFH, but it seems difficult to pull off.  

But is an additional 5% really worth the much higher rate that you will be exchanging for that 5% upfront savings worth it?