A 1031 exchange defers the payment of capital gains taxes.

If someone called me and offered to do some chores in exchange for some life lessons, I'd be happy to help them. 

On the front end, ask your agent to obtain a written rejection of your offer (no more verbal exchanges).

I have a few more questions if you might share your insight.I was researching last night, and stumbled upon 1031 exchanges. 

Any insight on how this can masterfully be done with surgeon's precision would be greatly appreciated.

You can avoid paying capital gains by using 1031 exchange and buy a better performing property.

Instead of the offer being just about exchanging a certain number of dollars for a house, it becomes a solution for a problem and makes it much more powerful.

From there get to know some local investors and try and find some way to bring something to the table in exchange for a little mentoring.

Of course the -65%  property is cashflowing nicely and much better than the -20% (and also appreciating), so during the buy/sell exchange I also have to buy as well or better.If (a) Optimize strategy is the ideal buy/sell and time correctly;and (b) Survive strategy is to ensure I don't have to sell.If I don't think I can execute (a) then what are my options - how to do I have cash to buy without selling???

Offer to help other investors in any way possible in exchange for the investor sharing his/her knowledge.