My Dad Doesn't Invest in Real Estate- Is it too Late?

[Josh Quinn]

To give everyone some context, my dad is a D.O. (internal medicine) at a hospital in Grand Rapids, MI. I have talked to him over past few months about buying a rental property for supplemental income and getting into the real estate realm. Neither of us have experience (we are both science guys), although I have more of an entrepreneurial edge about me, which keeps my curiosity alive and well. 

I am about to graduate grad school and work for a few years in Grand Rapids before hopefully getting out to southern California, and my parents are waiting to sell their home in East Grand Rapids until after I'm gone. Their last appraisal was set at $850,000. My dad is 57 years old. 

My question is do they have the option to 1031 their home into something like a multifamily home for cash flow and another primary home? Or has anyone encountered this scenario before and have suggestions? Just looking for options and talking points for my dad. Neither of us are aware of options beyond selling. 

Thank you for the help!