Most homes that I have seen which use a less open floor plan tended to be very expensive ones where real entertaining of clients and the like was a consideration, and curiously those people tended to have formal dining areas where you could not see the kitchen sink…

Only things I would add...Finished floor to ceiling height has to be at least 6'8" in a basement (your house looks newer so I'll assume it is)Minimum habitable room size is 70 sqft and at least 7' in either direction.

.- Insurability & Operations costs: Can be considerably lower (especially in comparison to CA) with most coastal regions there is much lower wildfire risk and the properties that are in flood zones, have surprisingly accessible and affordable policy costs.

Most properties have gained considerable value since their acquisition or refinance.

Or get with an expierenced realtor, commit to 1031, and increase portfolio by considerable margin and sacrifice cash flow now?

Hello, Mark Svendsen, based on the information provided, here’s my analysis and some considerations regarding the trustee's decision and your options:1. 

Hello Jared Schott, regarding your situation, here are some considerations and options for managing the $280,000 gap: Second Mortgage: You can seek a second mortgage or home equity loan to cover the $280,000.

Arlington Heights, IllinoisStandard price: $340,819Rate of Occupancy: 78%Average per-day rate: $100Average percentage of returns: 5.8%Average monthly income: $459014.

Cities like Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, San Ramon, Danville, Castro Valley are worth consideration. 

Thank you for the insight and I will strongly take this into consideration.