To realize the deferred tax benefits of a 1031, you must use a 1031 intermediary / facilitator, which is essentially a third party.  

By using the IRA to facilitate the sale of a property he owns personally, the IRA would be providing a benefit to Jon.

The reason I wonder if it's legal is if a finder's fee would be considered compensation to facilitate a real estate transaction, which would require a real estate license.

I don't know the costs in your state, they may vary, but I pay something like $1200/year to be an agent (license, NAR membership, MLS dues, E&O insurance, etc).I don't make a lot as an agent, but it helps me A LOT to facilitate my investing.

@Jason Gallimore, we like most QIs can facilitate exchanges nationwide. 

I have a background in Telesales, Retail Sales, Training and Facilitating and Public Speaking.

I'm more the mediator or the facilitator.

The close txn wasn't ultimately funded until a day and a half later.Now I am pretty sure I'm going to work with IRA Financial Group (legal setup facilitator) and IRA Financial Trust (custodian).

.* Check your state laws and talk to a REI attorney and escrow/title company about facilitating the transaction and all the needed paperwork for your area.

I'd be happy to help you find a property and facilitate your learning curve into real estate