Additionally, the investor must identify a replacement property within 45 days of selling their original property and complete the exchange within 180 days. Learn what it takes to do a 1031 exchange in California and how you can cleverly leverage it to defer capital gains tax and build wealth.Step 1: While contemplating the sale of an investment property, contact 1031 Pros. 1031 Exchange expert Russell Marsan specializes in tax deferred 1031 Real Estate Exchanges for Northern California, Idaho and Montana.