@Neil Whitney you don't have to go up in value but you pay capital gain taxes on the difference between like properties. what the OP is suggesting is to purchase two properties that would have a value greater than 650k, a 1031 doesn't have to be a 1 for 1 swap.

You can swap rate for fees, fees for rate.

I've done a bunch of research on Durham, own one triplex here so far, and I'd love to swap ideas about DURM!

I typically just use my handyman or carpenter to replace any window sashes, broken panes, or to swap out a door.

Your town may have a facebook swap page too.  

Seemed like a good swap to me.

You can always swap rate for fee, fee for rate.

Feel free to message me so we can swap info and set up a phone call.

If you're already paying similar for rent, then swapping that out for a mortgage of $3,600/m AND an increased income of $4,700/m (less its expenses) looks like a plan.

The pump is expensive (part and effort to replace) relative to the cost and effort to swap out with a new unit.