And as long as you own it you'll continue to defer the taxes.You have to use an unrelated 3rd party called the qualified intermediary to process the 1031. 

You need to have someone is seasoned (verified) and who can help you understand the process, contracts, title, property values, repair costs, etc.

The process that is accompanied with registration ( different filings with the city) is very tedious.

Be willing to retool their processes.

A 3br/3ba luxury apartment near a major university.Rent was $2950/mo and it made me $1600/profit per month.With two units and within 2 years, I was making $4k/mo in profit from 2 airbnb’s I didn’t own and I only started with $10k.I replicated this process until I brought on a business partner and hired a full time operations manager and we scaled to a 17 property portfolio between rental arbitrage units, management deals and properties we bought.I did this strategy in my early 30’s and I’m 33 yrs old now.

This process involves careful consideration of various factors such as market conditions, tenant needs, property maintenance, and financial implications, ensuring that the decisions made are aligned with the long-term goals and objectives of all parties involved.

You have to close the sale of your old property before you take title to your new property in a 1031 exchange.There is a process called a reverse exchange where we as the qualified intermediary take title to the new property before you do. 

Just take the funds out as "boot" and be taxed as long term capital gains or depreciation recapture...If you are just going to use with your next investment, then just stay within 1031 process. 

Are there any programs that simulate the process?

Is there another other Hard money lender that is large but has a simplified process like Lima one.