On the other hand, I could hold on to the property with the thought that I can handle the expenses of keeping it, while continuing to pay off considerable equity and gaining appreciation for each year I hold on to the property.I would love to hear everyone's thoughts on what is the best option, as I have been having trouble making a decision given my limited knowledge and experience. 

If your new to REI we encourage investors to study the strategy.

A cash flow study should be performed to ensure that the refinance does not drastically reduce the property's return.Good luck!

That means taking your time to study what you want to do (in this case what type of investing you are most interested in) and speak to those who have done it successfully. 

We've limited down our options to a handful of places.

I assume the compensation would vary depending on the tasks.I am a full service property manager and I offer both full and limited terms. 

The Taxable Value is uncapped and equated to the SEV upon a sale or other transfer of property ownership, with limited exceptions.Homestead versus Non-Homestead Millage RatesCounties & cities in Michigan are allowed to set their own millage rates, with one restriction – a primary residence (Homestead) is exempt from up to 18 mills of school taxes on their Homestead property.

I forgot about the fact I can have two homes as long as it's under the VA limit.

Sure, there are limited exceptions but the investors in your shoes are not equipped to identify those limited exceptions.

You'll need to consider DTI for any of those options, which is usually the limiting factor for people as they start to scale.