I have long term rentals but for many years I was only slightly cash flow positive and larger negative events put be back to break even and even a few negative years.Here is the upside and how I changed my mindset.

I have already analyzed my deal in the Rental property calculator, its coming out a negative COC ROI.

Not saying any of your statements are false but providing some balance- are markets at all time highest percent cash flow negative?

Also, focus on 2 years of job/income stability.Class D Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, all cashflow with little, maybe even negative, relative rent & value appreciationVacancy Est: 20%+ should be used to cover nonpayment, evictions & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores under 560, little to no good tradelines, lots of collections & chargeoffs, recent evictions.

We thought keeping the old townhouse because it can generate positive cashflow or maybe a little negative cashflow if something needs to be fixed.

(if I refi and pull out the equity it makes the CoC negative for the next 3-5 yrs)1031 option: sounds good, but I am concerned about finding the right property in the timeframe and my inexperience with this  creates risk.

Also, focus on 2 years of job/income stability.Class D Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, all cashflow with little, maybe even negative, relative rent & value appreciationVacancy Est: 20%+ should be used to cover nonpayment, evictions & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores under 560 (almost 30% probability of default), little to no good tradelines, lots of collections & chargeoffs, recent evictions.

Newer House with Debt: If you sell and buy the newer home, you’re essentially starting over with a new mortgage, and that $160/month in negative cash flow may restrict your ability to save and reinvest.

Also, focus on 2 years of job/income stability.Class D Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, all cashflow with little, maybe even negative, relative rent & value appreciationVacancy Est: 20%+ should be used to cover nonpayment, evictions & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores under 560, little to no good tradelines, lots of collections & chargeoffs, recent evictions.

Cons: Not a happy industry - everyone has a story or opinion and they're usually negative.