This needs to be taken into consideration for any CA property that has experienced significant appreciation.My own opinion, versus the above is simple fact, is that I would keep the RE but use more leverage than you are currently using. 

When all is said and done I'd wager that employing this strategy would net even less than just buying a multi-unit to start with. 

I pull one of the three bureaus every 4 months, so that way I can check often (versus pulling all 3 at once, and then having to wait a year until you can get your next free copy).- Tom

If I have 80% LTV, the 5% appreciation equates to 25% appreciation on the investment amount (versus the purchase price amount). 

I was wondering if it was possible to become a successful real estate developer in smaller markets like mine and the surrounding areas versus being in a major metropolitan city.

I will talk to my PM and see what she thinks about a lock that will auto close versus need to be manually locked.

It seems like it will be easier to manage versus managing physical keys, especially as room tenants come and go. 

Id like to start a conversation debating whether to hold an already owned property and rent it out versus selling.

We also give a nice discount for renting both sides, versus each separately! 

As far as MDF versus wood....it all gets bowed if you get water damage and it is not dried immediately.