Additionally, you CANNOT TAKE POSSESSION of MONIES transacted from the sell, you must use an intermediary until the 1031 is complete.  

Lending standards are significantly tighter and there are many fewer marginal homeowners in possession of homes now.The Great Recession was more likely an unusual confluence of events that worked to the benefit of rental properties.  

As for such being a job, in a way you're partially right as I personally didn't expect to commit less than two years to this mentorship (if agreeable to that mentor) and I apologize if my understanding the value I possess (even if you personally are in disagreement) offended you or made you feel as if I was asking for something unreasonable.

This takes some coordination on your part as transactional funders will require your end-buyers funds and executed closing documents be in possession of the closing attorney before funding the purchase, but it is not really different than the coordination required for wholesale deals. 

Once sold, are there any arguments I can make that this property should have gone out of my possession in '09?

Some assets are not marketable ,they may have an intrinsic value to you but since it can not be converted to cash, it may have little or no value and is more of a possession than an asset.

If you choose the right one, they’ll know lenders and can add credibility you don’t yet possess.

The possessions and security deposit refund are part of the estate. 

Derl found many problems, so we were able to get them repaired before taking possession.  

I got Possession in early July, I did a fair bit of the renovations myself, but did hire out aspects (like electrical and drywall).