Hi All, I have an rental property in Houston, TX that I would like to 1031 exchange into a duplex in California.

Seriously, INVESTORS, stock up on rubber gloves.

This will vary so wildly with location that I wouldn't put much stock in any one answer.Where I am, I wouldn't consider a property unless I was clearing at least $1,000 a month on it. 

Our plan is to do a 1031 exchange and purchase a multi-family property around $1M with either 4 or 6 units.I am having a tough time figuring out where or who I should speak to about getting favorable financing for a deal like this.

With the state of the stock market right now, I wouldn't be at all surprised if real estate starts dropping.I think the ultimate thing against this deal however, if that you're not truly buying it because the seller still has a mortgage. 

Is it possible to 1031 exchange it into 3 separate properties that equal the half million?

A corporation whose primary revenue is from passive sources (rental properties, stocks, other investment instruments), is not eligible for the small corporation tax reduction and will pay income tax at the full corporate rate.  

Since I am skeptical about handing my money over to strangers to put into stocks, he recommended real estate as a tangible way for me to invest in my future. 

I have an existing rental property that I was/am very close to wanting to sell this summer, do a 1031 Exchange, and get 3-4 other rentals that will have significantly more cash flow.I understand that there's a range of thought - more cash flow vs more (hold for) appreciation.With that said, I also know that usually (almost always?)

The rates are crazy low though and I'm hoping we can refinance a rental we're in the process of buying with a 1031 exchange.