Maybe an outside the box idea would be to try to force some equity by making some improvements in the house you live in.

While we were a bit over budget and slightly over our projected timeline, we were still able to force appreciate the property by $100k.

We were forced to call police & provide them with a 'Cease & Desist' in an effort to stop the harassment.Our attorney has advised that we do not engage with them in any manner.

If I had just bought this property and could force some appreciation, I could refinance and hopefully extract that equity within a year, for example--but since this house is paid off, refinancing would introduce a new mortgage payment.What are the options here?

1031 arms length could be risky?

These two zip codes are really up and coming and the builder that handles the construction is one of the driving forces for gentrification of the area. 

I know or I think I know with your kind of loans your forced to go to licensed 3rd party servicers..

I am currently serving in the United States Air Force, so as a military member, I will be moving around during my career. 

Or buy and force appreciation or buy and paydown debt with cash flow..

Clearly identify what you want to achieve in real estate and use that as a guiding force throughout your journey.