Real estate used to be the easiest choice of all time.

So I’m trying to see if I take that equity off the table and re-invest the sale proceeds in another market across more doors where we’ll see better appreciation, OR if we continue keeping it as a rental and work on principal pay down even though the rental price has been coming down and the home is not the easiest to fill because of the above average price for the C- to B neighborhood.Ultimately, my stated goal has been to build appreciation (over cash flow) by acquiring 1-4 doors per year for the next 10 years to allow my wife to retire (or be work optional) by the time she's 50.

They'll likely take the easiest / cheapest way out and just do the bare minimum and slap lipstick on a pig to get the deal done.

These two methods seem to be the easiest path to 800+. 

I don't think a gift card is necessary at this point, but if you can exchange addresses and phone numbers that would be great.Think like a neighbor....they are going to be worried about parties, noise, trash, etc.

Each town is a little different, some require you to do a landlord registration and/or will want to do an inspection before you put a tenant in (calling the town would probably be the easiest, or they may have the info right online).

That's the proven method.The easiest way to save money is to keep more of what you already have.

Not a goal that'll be soon but would like to gift them a home that they can live in and enjoy.  

Usually that just slows them down to train you and watch over you.Find out what someone likes, call it a gift, show you'll do anything to learn.

Thought about adding a hoarding clause... one of our tenants has a side hustle where they buy, build, and sell holiday gift baskets.