Without seeing the problem it is hard, but it does seem like its a moisture issue.

In this particular case 1031 seems like a bad idea. 

It really depends if you can get a great deal on the purchase price, and yes adding value seems to be the smartest play. 

And all the tools that are out there.Ive got close to 100k cash that I can use towards a down payment on a 1br,1b condo(which seems reasonable and easier to rent near me).

I apologize to ramble on, but no one seems to see it on the accountant's side of things when handling the operating accounting.

Seems I may have been taken advantage of... 

The big ski areas in the west seem to be cracking down on STRs more.

I’ve been trying to wrap my head around what an appropriate offer would be and the numbers just don’t seem reasonable. 

A MLO license is not a CA broker license, thus, it seems a licensee with only an MLO designation wouldn't have access to fractionalization. 

It seems as though the only way to get a return right now is to buy something in full and then refinance in a couple years when hopefully rates are lower and you can redeploy that equity again.