Capital gains tax strategy - 2 of last 5 years rental

[Peter Mikhjian]

Hello,

I've got a question regarding a specific situation I'm in.  I've got a property I used to live in for +2 years and then I rented it out.  I rented it on 3.1.14 for a 1 year lease and I've resigned with him 3x ( we also did month to month for a short time).  It's nice to have the steady stream of income and no hassle of turning it around, but now I need the cash (buying a personal residence).  His current lease ends on 5.1.17.  This is just over the 3 year mark and I believe I'll have to pay full capital gains (appreciated over $80k from date of purchase).

I'm assuming my best bet is to give him the boot and make sure I sell the property before 3.1.17.  Any other suggestions?  The end goal for me is to get the cash (no 1031, etc.).  What do you think?

Thanks

Pete