Sell or hold? Q's and resources

[Mark F.]

Asked on the BP FB group but hoping for a few more opinions here.

Heard this topic talked about on episodes lately but are there resources on selling VS holding with a decent equity positions? Websites or podcast episodes specifically? Refi makes zero sense with current interest rates (mine is at 2.25%). It would kill my cash flow and I wouldn't be able to pull out as near as much equity as if I sell. But I'm looking at $250-$275k in equity I can't fully tap into, minus $40k in closing costs. I'm not looking to go full time in RE as I love my W2, but trading my duplex to a 4-6 unit is a goal of mine as I love managing my rentals. I'm currently not occupying this duplex.

Another pro of selling is its tax free w no 1031 rules due to the 2/5 year rule (waiting on a conferral call with my CPA). This same scenario will play out in another two years with my current house hack (forced and natural equity, low 2% mortgage, $5k gross rents etc). The numbers- property value is confidently appx $700 to $725k per my realtor and comps I've looked at. Purchase price was $492k, $450k mortgage balance @ 2.25% rate. I put 0 down as I used a VA loan. I'm into the house for closing costs and repairs for appx. $50k at most. Cash flows appx $20k per year. Brings in $4500 gross rents, market rents are $5000/month but the units are outdated as the tenants stay when I keep increasing rents. Area is a solid B. It's not a headache property. Area is a solid B and has been on fire recently from what I've been told at multiple RE meet ups. Neighbor across the street went under contract with multiple offers at and over asking, realtor told me $25k over so $825k. That comp does have 600 sq ft more than my place. The market I'm in is a strong appreciating market and actually was listed as the top rent growth per the latest Drunk Real Estate Podcast episode.

Needs about $15k in updating to get $725k or it could go for more the way our market is. If I bought a 4 to 5 unit, it'd be around $1mil give or take. Would bring in around 10k in gross rents per month. Thoughts or resources? Can provide more context if needed. As I'm writing this, it kinda seems like a no-brainier to sell. But don't wanna regret holding on to it years down the road. Thanks BP!