Logic vs. Emotion in a Rent vs. Sell Decision

[Duane Gunkler]

So, the TL;DR version -- 5BR 4.5BA house.  Value about $500k, owe $258k -- 30 year @ 2.25%.  Rent about $2,800 and cash flow about $800 after cap ex, op ex, etc.  Logic = Rent.  Emotion side is that it was my wife's and late husband's house, so she wants to sell.  

As you can see from the brief description above, I'm in a tough spot with this house. It was my new wife and her late husband's primary residence and the home they built where they raised their two children from 2016 - 2019 when they lost him. We have since built our own new home and moved out of the property and it is now vacant. Obviously there is a tremendous amount of emotion tied to the property. She would like to sell it so that it's not a constant reminder and I completely understand why she would feel that way. Obviously, on paper, I would much rather keep the home and rent it out having such great equity and an amazing rate. It is in a very desirable neighborhood with amazing amenities. It has a VA loan currently, so if we were to sell, I suppose I could try to market to other VA-eligible buyers so that they could maybe keep the 2.25% if that's an option to try to add value. Just curious to get the thoughts of some fellow REI folks to see your thoughts on this one?

[Duane Gunkler]

@Ken M. I moved in with her there a couple years ago and we moved out this past year, once our new home was completed, so we would qualify for living there 2 out of the last 5 years for sure.