This article details how 1031 Exchanges can be used as a powerful and strategic investing tool to defer taxes until a later date, and how to most effectively acquire a replacement property. The key to 1031 Exchanges is to abide by the three most important rules; replace debt with debt and equity with equity, allow the money to pass through the right hands, and abide by the set time lines. If all these steps are followed you can successfully defer taxes to a future time, and avoid an unpleasant tax audit.