The previous firm was a big wire house that didn't specialize in DSTs or even alternative investments.

@Mike S. as an alternative or "backup" to a 1031 exchange, you can likely solve the tax deferral issue with an investment that includes cost segregation and bonus depreciation.

Or are there other alternatives where I can still defer or save on taxes. 

Is DST a good alternative? 

A few high level points to keep in mind:- As Whitney said, you don't 1031 into an OZ Fund, but invest in the fund as a 1031 alternative.- Unlike a 1031 exchange you only have to invest the capital gains from your sale, rather than the entire amount of the sale. 

Perch Wealth offers realestate brokers an opportunity to introduce an alternative institutional investment to their 1031 exchange clientstypically through a Delaware Statutory Trust (DST).

Hi Team,Can you please recommend 1031 exchange intermediary based on your experience who can guide for the first timer to do successful 1031 exchange or alternate options?

Why not invest in someone who has 1 food truck and help them expand their business for a slice of the deal. 

I have looked up the property on the tax appraisal district website and researched the owner to find alternate contact info.

May cost you now, but cheaper then the alternative.