And yes, the income from renting is still taxable, but ideally you are offsetting a chunk of that with depreciation which is a non-cash expense.You should read Amanda Han and Matt MacFarland's books as well which are available in the BP Bookstore. https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/tax-strategies-book...

The main thing being: giving up a property that appears to have appreciated pretty well is just a touch pill to swallow and I've regretted a few moves I've made when put in a similar situation to yours, and I had less equity in mine.It sounds like you're moving to Raleigh in the near future and want to buy a multifamily to househack.

You might be able to get away with shopping and nickel and diming for a few loans, but once you start to scale, you will see how valuable having a lending partnership with someone that is well-versed in all mortgage products is. 

As for your ques if to wait, well, it depends on the market, in some parts of the country prices are still going up, slower, but still going up, other parts the prices are coming down, you know that area, what is happening there? 

Cash Flow & Value-Add PotentialA well-selected multifamily property could outperform the $2,400/month cash flow you’d get from paying off the townhouse, especially if you find a property with under-market rents or appreciation potential.

Would like to be more hands off as well.

@Shaun OrtizThe BRRRR is alive and well.

Beyond trying to connect on this forum would recommend look in the BP Meet up section and checking out local DFW FB RE investor Facebook groups as well as Meetup.com and Eventbrite for local events. 

There are a lot of positive ROI options in that bucket.To answer your question anything on the beach will rent well. 

I highly recommend a well-qualified REALTOR who works with investors and knows how to help you best.7.