Maybe there could be someone that you can provide value to (free labor, be a bird dog for finding deals, admin work, you get the picture) in exchange to learn from them and see how they succeed in their business.

Is it possible to have the 1031 exchange company/title company fix this? 

Here is what I did with rental properties with below market rent.If the property is below market because of an issue with the seller, such as the tenant is a "friend" who is getting cheap rent, or the tenant is someone the seller relies on for on site maintenance in exchange for a lower rent, or if the tenant has been a long time tenant with a multi year lease with the rent pinned down etc...then I would have negotiated with the seller to get a credit towards the purchase price that makes up the difference between the rent and market rent for the balance of the lease.Once I take possession, I will need to honor the lease until it runs out.Sometimes, I would ask them to sign a new lease to replace the one they have, meaning both you and the tenant would void the existing lease and sign a new one. 

You might be able to get 9k unsecured through lightstream or some such online lender depending on income and credit score or, since you have a little track record now, you might be able to find $9k pretty quickly from friends and family willing to invest with you in exchange for interest (private lending.) 

I believe the owners isn't interested in taking a loan on these properties because he wants to 1031 Exchange these for a lucrative development opportunity and doesn't want to create new loans on these properties that that he will have to pay off.

You might be able to work with an investor in your area to learn the ropes in exchange for labor, door-knocking for leads, etc while you learn the business. 

I also don't foresee the need to campus houses going away any time in the near future.Considering we've gained some good equity on the cabin, my thought is we use a 1031 Exchange and use the proceeds from that cabin to help us fund the down payment on the 2 campus properties. 

You can do this using 1031 exchanges, pay no tax, and position the next assets so his heirs can inherit tax free which is a legacy I'm sure he'd prefer rather than a legacy of handing you a bag of problems.From a personal perspective it's not that easy. 

Hi Ken, I guess I'd do a 1031 exchange for a like kind property, but prior to considering that direction, have you considered switching over to a new PM?

There are 'premium' credit cards that offer some benefits, in exchange for a ridiculously high annual fee.