Why is it so hard to find a broker for mid-size apartments?

[Aundrea Newbern]

I'm in the process of getting three smaller properties listed to do a 1031 exchange to a mid-sized apartment complex. I've reached out to brokers all over the southeast and I'm struggling to find someone that understands what an investor is looking for (or even to get a reply). As everyone knows, the time constraints on a 1031 means that I need to be able to move quickly to identify a property. Loopnet has been a dud as well as the brokers I've reached out to. Any suggestions on how to approach/find brokers and identify a great property? Thanks!