A buddy of mine here in San Diego once helped a first-time investor navigate an 8-unit purchase in Eugene, and over coffee in Old Town, he told me how the local property manager there saved them from a zoning hiccup that could’ve turned ugly.

I used a LOC to build a 12 site RV park in a small town, opened it up and 1.5 mnths later, I'm full occupancy and servicing the debt (some of it at 8.75%) & cash flowing.

Despite popular option the fed nor a president has direct control over long term interest rates.

While many of these issues are important considerations and should not be ignored or overlooked, there are other more crucial criteria that you must question and evaluate first.The critical risk criteria that you must review and evaluate prior to making your final decision on which 1031 Exchange Qualified Intermediary to retain includes, but is not limited to, the following areas:Technical capability of the 1031 Exchange Qualified IntermediaryInternal processes and audit controls to safeguard your 1031 Exchange funds and assetsUse of Qualified Trust Accounts or Qualified Escrow AccountsDecision criteria and guidelines for investment of your 1031 Exchange fundsProtection from potential errors or omissions by the Qualified Intermediary (E&O Insurance) Protection from potential theft or embezzlement of 1031 Exchange funds (Fidelity Bond) An experienced and professional 1031 Exchange Qualified Intermediary will understand these concerns and should be happy to discuss these crucial issues with you.

As an out of town owner, one benefit of Madison is that we do have a good supply of property management companies to consider. 

I agree with Alecia-I would start with something smaller, find an city/area of town you like. 

They actually failed to pay taxes in 1983 as well according to the follow up article below. 2 years later in 2017 the County reversed the sale voting 7-4 against “these out of town speculators trying to make a big payday” and for the fine people of their district. https://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/SF-supervisors-to-vo...

I'm in a small town with nobody to really network with on a regular basis.

Quote from @Ben Trageser: I would recommend calling the zoning department of the town and asking.

This would allow you to keep the current mortgage and keep entire control of the property.