A 1031 exchange would keep all that appreciation and the full $300K working for you.  

The idea would be to bring sweat equity into the deal in the form of running work and helping keep costs down in exchange for a percentage of the profits.

I appreciate your insight.

I have publicly traded stock which I'd like to sell without getting hammered on taxes.Is there anything equivalent to a 1031 exchange which would allow me to roll-over capital gains from the stock sale directly into a real estate investment?

Our plan right now is to sell a condo in Seattle and use a 1031 tax deferred exchange and the equity gain as leverage to buy our first “replacement’’ property in Spokane once the renters lease is up at the Seattle property.We are looking for a specific property that we will be able to refinance after it is rehabbed and rented out so that of course we can repeat :) We are learning just what it will take to pull that off!

In Boulder County, most offices are doing sales or leasing,not both so it's a unique situation and I appreciate any insight/tips.

Thanks for the insight & advise, this helps alot! 

I’d really love to work for/observe and learn from someone already in the game, but obviously don’t want to be scammed or taken advantage of.Anyone have any insight?

I feel the numbers make sense, but I don't have any insight on the rental market for single family homes. 

NYC also recognizes 1031 at the state level also so a San Diego company like Exeter with @Lauren Speidel as sales rep can absolutely handle your exchange.