I have been toiling over investing in DST 1031 Exchange vs cashing out by paying capital gains.

I like to keep long time that way I can gain more equity in next few more years.

As 2024 progresses, the multifamily market is showing signs of recovery. While not as dynamic as the post-pandemic boom, key indicators suggest positive momentum is building.
Vacancy Rates and Demand: U.S. multifamil...

Which indicates the seller's are slightly gaining more control.

Has anyone found a way to transfer property bought with 1031 money and in LLC's name into a family members personal name without paying capital gains tax or what's the best way to go about this that works out for both parties?

The most common in simplest form that has been deemed as most passive is a simple, long-term rental.If you have not purchased a property for yourself, yet, I would highly recommend getting started with house hack, and learning that way.

So I'm trying to learn everything I can as I search out my path to gaining the needed capital to get this train rolling. 

if you would like to guess at current property value, you can adjust the asset value by plugging in a number for “unrealized capital gains”.  

I suggest selling and avoiding the capital gain tax under section 121 so your friend can start fresh.

This should have already been a common practice, but because of the commission structure before the NAR settlement, lots of agents did not execute contracts with buyers in order to gain them as clients.