HiWe purchased an CA investment property when rate are at 8.25%.

Now, property values have dropped—almost to the point where the capital gain tax I avoided through the exchange is offset by the decreased value.Has anyone found an effective 1031 exchange strategy that allows you to take advantage of the tax benefits while still buying the replacement property at a good price?"

If you need more precision, you can reach out to a local closing company for an estimate.  

I am working with an insurance company who is putting together an estimate.

We were able to overcome it by providing proof that we paid, and were completely responsible for the loan and had recorded documentation to prove it (letter to lender attached below -  (side note this was for a VA loan so we used an agreement for sale in this case). 

There definitely has been an increase in last minute bookings or lead time in general.

Most investors and agents are too scared to negotiate, I bought the home on over an acre for 300k.I like to take a net approach where I utilize as many sources as possible to find deals.

My wife and I own a STR property via an LLC in which we are the sole owners.

This would be my very first rental.I have an opportunity to buy a house from an old neighbor for $425k.

If both can't come up with an agreement without one trying to hurt the other then the response is going to be a legal one.