My main question is should we wait the extra time so we can hold the property longer or should we try and sell this year, take the profit and scale quicker.

This matters as different auctions are prone to different title issues.

I get that having a paid off property is very comforting, but to me it's not the best move if you're trying to grow. 20% down and 3% annual appreciation means you're making a 15% return on your downpayment. 

I'm trying to figure out who or where we can send messaging to.

Unless you spend money trying to find off market deals..

Of course, there's a lot more to it than I put in this paragraph, but I hope it helps with general parameters. 

This is what allows for so much more retirement income.

That is what I am trying to figure out, "what is the problem trying to solve" I view this as a problem for the current owner - who wants their cake and eat it too.

Vacant properties can sometimes be the way to go because you can try and get top market rent, as well as include any fees or protocols that might not be in a standard lease.  

I can see govmit making a condition that tvhey must try to get employment at least.