Oops, your client needs help. If he received the cash, there can be no 1031.

If it was an S corporation, then he was a shareholder, not a partner in a partnership. 

FYI, in a valid 1031, the new property needs to be identified within 45 days of the sale of the old property, and the purchase closed in 180 days.

No notice to the IRS is needed, just a proper filing of tax returns. 

Yes, more than one property is allowed. 

What 2 year time limit?