1031 Exchange Minimum Hold Period

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One of my real estate tax clients reached out to me about a property he was selling and wanted help with a 1031 Exchange. Only issue is, he has only owned the property for 8 months. 

After sleuthing around the internet, it looks like it is recommended to hold  for a period for at least a one year before doing a 1031. However, I am not sure why and if this is an actual law or recommendation?  Put another way, is there a minimum hold period for a 1031?