If no consideration is being exchanged, then all you would need is exempt stamps for State and county. 

Over the next 3 - 5 years I plan to 1031 exchange all of our single family homes and purchase another 40 that won’t have mortgages (we use the lease option model to sell our properties to maximize profits so we cycle through properties every 3-5 years).

But the rules of the 1031 exchange will let you accomplish what you want without doing that too.

We already have had that and are only looking at getting one or two more properties unless we decide to 1031 one of our multi unit properties.

A 1031 exchange is a great way to indefinitely defer the tax and use it to grow your RE portfolio, and build long term wealth.The most important factor in a 1031 exchange is that your qualified intermediary must be in place prior to the closing of the sale of your old property.

If you want to invest in Buffalo I'm looking to 1031 my way into a different state.   

Don't leave money sitting on an exchange. 

I think there is so much value in having a supportive network, so I'm looking to set up a monthly lunch for us to exchange ideas, tips, and encouragement.

Here are a few strategies to consider for funding a down payment:Partnering: Like Gregory mentioned, finding a partner who can contribute to the down payment in exchange for equity or a profit share is a solid option.HELOC or Cash-Out Refi: If you have equity in your home or another property, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or cash-out refinance can provide the funds you need.Private Money: Reach out to friends, family, or private investors who may be interested in lending you the down payment with a promissory note.Seller Second: In some cases, the seller might agree to finance a portion of the down payment as a second mortgage.Live Frugally and Save: It takes time, but reducing expenses and setting aside funds from your income is a tried-and-true method.The right approach depends on your situation and deal structure, but a mix of creativity and resourcefulness can go a long way.

This means that the property doesn't qualify for the extension, probably because it doesn't meet the covenants such as DSCR or debt yield, so the lender is making an exception and is willing to grant the extension in exchange for the $4 million.