Have you considered other strategies?

Proper documentation and consistent reporting are crucial to ensure compliance with IRS requirements.

If you do those things consistently and carry appropriate types and amounts of insurance you are going to be protected. 

As a rental, tenants will likely prioritize the location over minor inconveniences.Your strategy of betting on appreciation and eventually pulling equity makes a lot of sense in this market.

Being able to drive by your properties frequently to see them in person (even if you have a property manager) can provide consistent peace of mind. 

As others noted, most municipalities issue future zoning maps which indicate the direction the local planning commission or equivalent wants to take their zoning and if your plans are consistent, that's generally a good indication as well. 

This time of the year we are talking about strategy and goals for our REI for next year and frankly, I am not sure where to go from here.

OR it may be the spark needed to build out your next RE revenue strategy.  

What creative strategies have you found successful?

Great tools that get updated regularly.I am on the lending side of things and would be happy to hop on a call with you anytime to discuss financial strategies and help answer any questions you may have about nearly any loan product available to help you on your journey, even if they are not products my capital partners offer.We are all here to help you learn and grow.