I do not know what the credit is now, at one time it was $50 or $100 - really inconsequential in the grand scheme of things, but it was something they offered and it would be like pulling teeth to get the credits applied.  

I cut my teeth on my first purchase in 2017, a one mixed building with 2 commercial tenants and 2 residential tenants.

But when it comes to just rehabbing houses as cheap as you can thats usually bottom barrel type labor pool Lots of missing teeth etc.

What if an opinion about the rules is incorrect & you qualify for a 1031 by the skin of your teeth?  

I qualify as a foreclosure consultant under the law here in OR  IE I am a licensed mortgage banker.. however the laws have way more teeth than just that.. in our state the equity is protected and must be shared. that right there makes most pre foreclosures a non starter from an investor stand point. and a quick way to get into problems .. the OP will be wise to freshen up on the laws .. and not just trust someone.

I would like to find something easy to cut my teeth on.

Trying to cut your teeth on a "cheap" sec 8 property in a warzone is more likely to ruin the experience and drain you than it is to get you rich.

Record the whole encounter with your phone and let him know if he doesnt get your money back on the spot or you follow him to his bank for immediate refund the video goes viral, to the news, and to law enforcement, and by the way if he doesnt pay he will be picking his teeth up off the ground!

Should I  possibly close the acct and pay the taxes &int, or just take the disbursement and grit my teeth?

I got my teeth knocked out and my lunch money eaten on some of my inititial "deals".