If you find out any more info, I'd appreciate it if you could pass it along- I'm tempted to contact my senator, who ends all of his communication with "if you need help with a federal agency..."

Look at the federal rates right now!

I know places that have federal funding can deny it, due to federal laws.

I'm no legal eagle, (lord knows there are enough self anointed legal scholars in every corner of the internet), but I am an experienced investor with lease options. 

I was talking about Federal so sounds like you're saying I understand the tax situation wrong.

@Jason Powell, Since 1031 is a federal statute any QI can perform 1031 exchanges nationwide. 

You will pay Federal income tax wherever you decide to live in the US, but 9 states have little or no income tax. 

Finally, make sure that the Owner's Policy has any and all "Exceptions" that are unacceptable "waived" which is the title company's guarantee that your final Owner's Title Policy will not be subject to those unacceptable "Exceptions".For example, when the title company does a search of the county records on the property you are buying, they will create a Title Commitment, a step before a Title Policy, which will state the current status of the title of the property.Exceptions will be raised, some that can't be waived or removed like Easements, Building Lines, Covenants and Restrictions and the Plat of Subdivision that created the property etc.Many Exceptions can and you should insist that they be waived (guarantee that they will not be stated in the final Owner's title policy), such as the Seller's current mortgage, unpaid HOA fees, unpaid and late property taxes, recorded liens/mortgages of record, mechanic's liens, federal tax liens of the Seller etc.The title company may be unable or unwilling to remove these/certain Exceptions, which mean you will take title subject to/no title insurance regarding these unacceptable "Exceptions". 

First federal does an amazing job and I highly recommend roger.  

Have your brother buy you out with a land loan using IRS's Index of Applicable Federal Rates (AFR) as a guidance for the interest fee4.