What is the best way to wind down the business?

[Dan Dice]

Does anyone know of any strategies to start winding down a real estate portfolio? I've had a good run and developed approximately 1.4MM in equity between nine different rental properties I have acquired over the years. I would really like to access this equity to semi-retire and become financially independent. If I could sell some of the lesser performing properties and then use that money to both pay off the notes on the properties I decide to keep as well as significantly pay down the balance on my personal mortgage, then I could quit my full time job and just manage the remaining properties I keep and still live comfortably. 

But having to pay capital gains and ten plus years of real estate depreciation ruins my plan. In a couple of instances, I would end up paying more in taxes and depreciation recapture then I would actually get as cash back from the sale.

I know I can do a 1031 to avoid losing money but that doesn't accomplish what I'm trying to do. I don't want to trade up or buy more properties. I want less properties but with better overall cash flow. Are there any exit strategies to help wind down the business without taking such a tax hit? Thanks.