Like-Kind Real Property  The following list of real property asset classes represents interests in real property that usually qualify as like-kind property for 1031 Like-Kind Exchange purposes: Single Family Residential Property Multi-Family Property (Apartments) Commercial Office Properties Retail Shopping Properties Industrial Warehouse Properties Triple Net Lease (Net Lease or NNN) Investment PropertiesAgricultural (Farm) Properties Vacant Undeveloped Land Oil & Gas InterestsMineral RightsWater RightsAir Rights Easements in perpetuityLeases with a remaining life, including options, of 30 years or more Tenant-In-Common "TIC" Investment Property InterestsDelaware Statutory Trusts "DSTs" Investment Property Interests Vacation rental properties (income producing)

I get it when some companies do it for a few months but these guys were giving 24 month gurantees.. well with the assets being the dogs of the city.. and the HUGE mark ups they were making since the buyers were using cash and sidras no financing.. it lasted for a few years before it started to leak oil.. then robbing peter to pay paul .. then they came out with a note investment model..

Converting it to oil heat is out of the question due to the cost of it. 

Syndications and/or passive investments that generally qualify are often structured as one of the following: Sponsored (syndicated) Tenant-In-Common (TIC) Investment Properties Sponsored (syndicated) Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) Investment Properties Certain sponsored (syndicated) oil and gas interests/rightsSponsored (syndicated) Net Lease Properties (NNN) often through a DST Non-sponsored (syndicated) Net Lease Properties (NNN) acquired through a real estate broker There are brokers that specialize in syndicated TICs and DSTs. 

There are lots of potential replacement property options inside of a 1031 -- including multifamily, commercial, land, oil & gas rights, etc. 

After that I had to use Monox, a Greek silver-bullet primer to coat it, a product much like Kilz interior/exterior oil-based primer (your eyes burn when you apply it).

I’m currently in the oil field working and saving while I try and get into real estate.

History suggests that this area is basically a warzone and that investors should stay away, but recently I have been seeing a number of articles announcing big expansions/construction in the area.I know that most of these projects will be dependent on the market for oil/gas/petrochemicals but currently and at least for the forseeable future the energy market as a whole (besides coal) looks strong. 

I don't think "keep digging" is particularly helpful advice whether hunting for gold, oil or missing owners.What I've found is that you have to combine art and science to prioritize your efforts to be effective.As a new opportunity detective, I suggest you reorganize your efforts and eliminate any property you determine is bank owned.

Husband will probably take retirement from the oil industry soon, BP (the oil company, not Bigger Pockets) is cutting 15% of the workforce,  mostly senior folks.