Which is a wiser decision: Pull money from my retirement account or use the equity from my principle residence? 

To help fund "one of my whys" of educating humanity on the principles and natural laws of the world.

Two years ago the National Association of Realtors appears to have passed a resolution requiring all MLS's to feed data to AVM providers but Utah objected.  

All I had to do was collect the rent and watch my principle balance of the property go down every month.  

Furthermore, I am unclear as to exactly how much I would lose of my principle given the fact that I only own a very small percentage of the entire loan amount.

Object was to get long term tenants with reasons to stay put - - this worked for me. 

Good records has an objective to clarify and avoid confrontation, not compound and invite it

I am an electrician by trade and own a 1916 home myself so the commonly frightening buzzwords such as "knob and tube", "plaster walls", and "asbestos tiles" don't carry quite the same weight with me but it will be nice to have someone who is as objective as possible.If you feel comfortable answering, could you share what you budget for repairs on these older properties?

If you can manage to pull of the 15 year mortgage, I can tell you from my experience that it is fantastic to see that principle chop away every month.

That being said, I'm compulsive and manage just 1 extra mortgage payment in principle per year.