Jim,
quick question. do you have someone looking to trade?

Aloha: He either contacts them directly per the listing contact information or he obtains a buyers agent here who negotiates with the seller's agent to find out if they are even interested in trading. Typically in this market, seller's need the cash to pay off the loan and frequently don't have the ability to do a property exchange. That's why 1031 Exchanges work better for most sellers as it gives them more flexibility. . The tough side is finding the Hawaii seller who wants a property necessarily where the mainland seller is located. Most agents (including myself) have a list of clients who may be open to certain types of trades from the mainland property they own to property here. Keep in mind, a value is attached to the transaction and the agents do obtain a commission just as in 1031 exchanges.