This will be something a 20-year old appraiser with a programming background might solve someday, and when they do, might just open up a massive market for services that was not previously around (can't tell you how many times I wished I could program) .

Baby Boomers are a massive generation and Social Security helps pay rent for a lot of them, in some ways it's a version of Section 8 housing but obviously with different tenants. 

Personally I like the idea of having a few properties owned outright , simply for safety / risk reduction to keep the wheels turning in tough times and there will always be tough times or massive expenses if your in this game long enough .

If you're a young person who is 100% dedicated to being a real estate entrepreneur, pulling the money out could be decent seed capital for starting your investment business.If you're a bit older and just looking to grow your net worth, doing a self directed account and not taking the massive hit probably makes more sense.

I have to agree with @Eduardo Sanabria, a property over $300,000 takes much longer and it's harder to sell in the area.On the other hand, great deals of rent and hold properties are much common in the area due to the massive renter's market, El Paso is full of renters due to Ft Bliss and the universities in the area.Good luck in your next flip! 

It could be cash buyers looking for 6 to 8% cap rate, but also figuring in the massive advantage of owning real estate with the new tax bill. 

After it rained it turned into a massive mud pit.

I live next to Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley which are massive lakes in Western Kentucky. 

I researched the area and been there several times company I work for has a massive Data Center in the area..

Leverage can massively accelerate returns.