300k+ in equity in 3 years, low cash flow should I 1031 out of CA

[Tim G.]

In 2013 I had some good timing. Purchased a four unit apartment building, built in 1980 with major tenant and management issues. It cost me around $360k all in but I used an FHA203k loan so my out of pocket was around 25k all said and done. 

Three years later, the rents are good based on purchase price but not compared to what its worth. Gross rents just under $50k net would be around $30k if not for the mortgage. I'm netting around $100 a door a month all said and done. The property recently appraised for $700k but more realistically I believe its worth $650k. I owe $340k on the property.

By end of the month, the last unit will be renovated. They all match, are built well and are in perfect landlord setup. Easy to maintain, clean out etc for the next tenant. All units have will have good tenants, solid leases and its turn key. I keep looking at what its worth, what little it collects and I'm nervous about the California market. 

My main goal in 2013 was to own real estate, I thought appreciation would be possible and to leverage loans to get equity without my money. Now I've done that I am craving cash flow and lots of it. So this place doesn't meet the model anymore. I'm not certain as this is a newer thought process but if the goal is cash flow this isn't the best place to do that. 

Has anyone else cashed out of California? Where did you go? How did you decide? How big of a place did you buy? What class of property did you buy? With the equity I have my thought was to shoot for a million dollar property and use the equity to cover my down payment. I didn't visit the place for a year as a test to see if it was possible to manage remotely and it went well. I know I'd need feet on the ground wherever I went though. 

Any input is greatly appreciated. 

[Account Closed]

What is emotional about $300,000?  You are the one failing to supply the mathematical calculations of how you plan to replace $8,000 a month in appreciation. 

Hey, if you need the cash to pay your cable bill you have no choice but to cash out.  But for long term investing for the most profit it would be best to hang on to CA investments.  Where are you going to get 8% appreciation AND 6%+ rent growth?  Where?

Also realize you are looking at barely 10 years.  I'm looking back and have the experience of 40-50 years.