I am always surprised at how many taxpayers don't want to pay for tax planning so they can make informed decisions.

@Cody Sims A 1031 Exchange requires that your Dad, the taxpayer, purchase a Iike kind property.

@Cindy Cheng, Any tax paying entity can do a 1031 exchange. 

There are 3 safe harbors available to you-De Minimis Safe Harbor ElectionSafe Harbor Election for Small Taxpayers (sounds a bit condescending)Safe Harbor for Routine MaintenanceCheck these out...Frankly given the amount, and what you are doing (low materiality to the plumbing system unit of property), I would expense it.

(The 1031 requires the same tax payer on both sides, not the same name.)

Lets see , $25,000 to first time home buyers , plus forgiving student dept , nice way to buy votes with tax payers money .

Under IRC Sec 61, Congress intends to tax all gains or undeniable accessions to wealth, clearly realized, over which taxpayers have complete dominion.Treas Reg Sec 1.61-1(a) provides that gross income includes income realized in any form, whether in money, property, or services.

Investing in these areas comes with multiple tax benefits such as Tax-free growth, Tax payment deferral and Tax discount for long-term commitment.Strategic Repairs and MaintenanceStrategic planning of repairs and maintenance may not have as significant of an impact as a cost segregation study, it can still be meaningful and even more immediate.

That non-qualified use provision was written so that taxpayers couldn't convert highly appreciated rentals to personal residences, live in it for 2 years, and avoid paying any capital gains.

But it also looks like the property is behind in tax payments.