I inherited the home I had been living in from my mother which needs some repairs in order to be rental ready- no mortgage on it.

If I ever die before my wife or mother, I know this will make things very simple for them.

Value $900,000; $600,000 debt, $200,000 basis; 7% sales commission, only him- mother is deceased- $250,000 cap gain tax free, $70,000 sales concessions or repairs, capital gain tax on $550,000 less costs,  etc etc.  2 out of 5 year rule, can he live in other buildings?

He had no children or wife and is only survived by my mother who is aunt and a half brother.

Her dad died when she was young, leaving her and her five siblings to be raised by her mother, Abu, a Chinese immigrant.

Its actually Tenant management when you are dealing with socially disadvantaged and low income families almost always lead by single mothers. 

I am very new in investing and am confused on whether I need to use a 1031 exchange here:I currently own a condo that my mother lives in rent free.

Plus, its worth noting that no Retail Priced property will be at a number where you're going to get the benefits of investing (cash flow and equity)What is working now is looking for single family with accessory units or mother-in-law suites, or duplexes.

However, this is allowing me to move out of the SF townhome my mother left me which will rent for $3k once rehabbed. 

I know one guy who hates brokers and will never use one  because his mother had a romantic affair with a broker and it broke up his family when he was a kid.