Are you required to carry rental insurance? 

But in my research, getting licensed and maintaining the license seems to require more work than I expected.

Florida requires one... not just the company, but the individual agent as well.Fees can be decieving.

If its a RE license then don't bother with any other Real estate school here except Florida Real Estate Institute for your Licensing and/or the required Continued Ed classes.  

They may require some maintenance, but not excessive amounts.

This does not require any money to start and to get deals closed.

Jeff Copeland they also stated that they wouldn't pay for any repairs except for what the VA requires and I countered back stated that I didn't agree with that.

It's important that you are working with lenders who require little or no value seasoning so that you can refinance cash out up to 75% of fair market value after tenant is placed.  

Start talking to mortgage lenders about their requirements and what they need to see from you.

Additional info:primary 1031 exchange rules and requirements include: 1) same taxpayer: the taxpayer who sells is the taxpayer who buys, 2) property identification within 45 calendar days post closing of the first property, 3) purchase of the replacement property within 180 calendar days, 4) trading up: the price of the replacement property is equal to or greater than the old or relinquished property, 5) hold time supports the intent to hold for investment, and 6) related party transaction regulations.