I am new to investing but I rent commercial space in the downtown area and have a close relationship with the office of economic development.  

There have been studies done that show that 1031 exchanges promote economic growth, but proponents of the elimination wish to ignore that in favor of the immediate gratification for of a tax increase. 

RE is much different than other businesses, it is unique, has its own economic aspects, laws, regulations, financing, valuation approach, ethics and business/industry structure.

However, all real estate is local and local markets tend to fluctuate more than the aggregate data based on local economic conditions.Take the Tulsa, Oklahoma market for example.

If I were moving there I'd be on the watch for economic drivers like new hospitals and the like and look for opportunities near them.

Easy to use, pretty economical.

Some of the reason for the recent crash has been china slowing down economically in their growth and our supply has been greater than our demand.

Try going to professional seminars for Realtors, appraisers, title insurance agents, mortgage brokers, home inspectors, your building regs office, planning and zoning officials, or economic development functions.

The business and economic issues should drive the decision making; the 1031 Exchange should just be the icing on the cake.

One reason it's controversial is that it is a practical implementation of Austrian Economics which is diametrically opposed to the Keynesian Economics taught in most western universities.