@Kevin Hoover, with certain types of entities it is possible to contribute property to and distribute property from that entity without triggering a tax event. 

We want to pull the trigger and start investing in Japan.

So when we did not receive any response to our emails for several days, this naturally triggers concerns and emotions.

There are often automated flags that will be triggered if you do it, so it's best just to know how they will react.

Selling would likely trigger capital gains taxes (unless you lived in the property for two out of the last five years or use a 1031 exchange).

The boot amount is taxed as capital gains and may also trigger depreciation recapture.For example, if you sell a property for $500,000 with a $300,000 basis, resulting in $200,000 of gain, but reinvest only $400,000, the remaining $100,000 is taxable.

This way, they get the cash they need without selling and without triggering any taxes since loans aren’t considered taxable income.

An audit could be triggered by a number of factors that don't line up when run through the IRS's system, and create an exception.

I'll keep you in mind if I device to pull the trigger.

BUT I have also heard that it could trigger a due on sales clause, bringing the note fully due at any moment.