Worth Paying Capital Gains to Free Up Cash?

[Matthew Maggy]

We are in a position where we have had a lot of equity growth in one of our rentals (which we actually bought for cash flow) and having recently picked up some more properties are out of cash. Our portfolio now is doing great, so we don't really need to get rid of any properties, but we have a lot of equity in one of our rentals in a hot neighborhood and I wouldn't mind taking that off the table while housing prices are high. The property cash flows decently (though we could have charged more rent had we known). I also like having cash available for when screaming deals come up or when the prices go low. Curious what others would do.

We sold a property we bought for $26k and sold for $70k in 2016 and 1031 Exchanged into a property for $70k (+$8k in rehab) and owe $47.5k on.

My low-to-mid-range estimate is that we could sell for $130k. Long story short, after commissions, closing costs, potentially paying $1,500 in closing costs for the buyer, etc. we would end up with +-$70k. After capital gains taxes, it's +-$55k. 

I honestly hate doing 1031s especially because inventories are so tight right now and I work full time, I don't know if I can identify a property that meets my criteria for a rental within the 2 months required by Section 1031.

So the question is: Is it worth paying $15k to have $55k available as needed for down deals? Curious what others think. Thank you hive mind!