I am intersted in short term hold, not the long term. I have a property I want to buy that will hold value.
Real estate is not really a short term hold. Triple net leased buildings with long-term leases may hold their value better than other real estate.
Set up a reverse exchange so you lock up the new replacement property. In this market it is probably more difficult to buy instead of sell.
If you already have cash, do what is called an exchange first reverse, where your Intermediary will hold title until the old relinquished property sells.
If you cannot sell within the 180 day exchange window, the Intermediary will simply deed the new property to you and you will not have done an exchange.
The cost will not be cheap. Probably north of $5,000, but it is good insurance if:
A) You like the replacement property and it is worth acquiring regardless, and
B) If you do sell, you will be positioned to defer the gain into the new property.