I would like somebody as geographically close as possible to act as the intermediary.

The proxy transmits requests, acting as an intermediary, and the VPN tunnels all network activity to the operating system level.

I have a closing company in town that acts as an intermediary, so when selling/buying in a 1031 exchange, it is much easier if I used them.

I should have clarified, my intent would be to still use an intermediary in this process, if possible, whereas the intermediary would receive and hold the funds from my relinquished property, and disperse funds to the builder until the funds are spent, thereby completing the exchange, and then I would then fund any remaining development.

My accountant seemed to think that for a single family property, by the time you spent the legal fees to set up the exchange as well as paying for a qualified intermediary, it would just be easier to pay the capital gains taxes....

The amount sent to the intermediary was shorted by that amount.

The 1031 process is seamless for you ( you market and sell and then shop and buy like normal) other than having a qualified intermediary to guide you through some procedural hoops. 

One of the tenants doesn't speak any English, and her daughter has been the intermediary. 

Matt, a qualified intermediary  can give you the best answer.  

You cannot touch the money, it is held in escrow by a 3rd party called a qualified intermediary.