If you sold it, what would you do with the money and how does the return compare to what you get now (factoring in the amount of work/stress with each option)?

The purpose of the post was to find another resource for property insurance (i.e., agent).

If you aren't comfortable posting your experience, please PM me. 

So can you post a few pics of the place?

@Jay Hinrichs has posted on that in the past.Many people like to try and hide their identity because of the spotlight effect which refers to how people often overestimate how much others notice (or care about) them, effectively inflating their own importance in society. 

Hint - maybe ask a few questions per post.

Future gains on the investment portion may be deferred with another 1031 exchange, while gains on the primary residence may qualify for the $250k/$500k exclusion if residency requirements are met.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

However, as I mentioned in my original post, my immediate goal is to move out of our current townhouse into a larger single-family home that better suits my family’s needs (we have a baby and a big dog).

Adam, I appreciate the sentiment, but at the time I posted I literally didn’t even know what step 1 was.  

If you buy it too low, in some jurisdictions they will call it "equity skimming" which is illegal.It can be very profitable, I've done many, but you really need to know what you are doing. on pre foreclosures on the West coast if you happen to do them legally .. the old owner is due 80% of the profit if you sell within 36 months.. so there is that.. but if your buying pre foreclosure for long term hold and wait out the 36 months then your fine. the reality these days is post GFC lenders/ banks/ servicers have realize that working with the buyer to reinstate recast redo the loans is far better than taking it all the way to foreclosure so your correct its usually the worse houses that make it all the way to the end and go to sale.thats why if you follow NODs  Notice of defaults or whatever they are call in your state. you see so many postponements and or removed or paid off etc.. so you hone in on one property do all this work only to have it not go  to sale  rarely are you going to buy a home that you really want LOL