In Phoenix, I might call up a friend who invests in mixed-use properties south of Roosevelt Row, and that friend might know a local title rep who’s been working with out-of-state buyers who like to pull the trigger fast.

I mean, Texas is still a great state because of the amount of jobs, the pay that comes with those jobs, and the cost of housing here as opposed to other places around the country.However, that key word "affordable" actually has a definition to it - and that's 30% of the income shouldn't go towards housing. 

State income taxes: Here's a map showing state income tax rates.Low crime: Companies are unlikely to choose high-crime cities.

She is working for federal government and had deployed out to another state (she is not a service member by SCRA).

Quote from @Arvand Sabetian: Does your lease state you're providing internet for the tenants?

Or a state that has terrible landlord laws?

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.

Another consideration is that if you do a 1031 exchange back out of CA the state is a "claw-back" state so CA will try to get their capital gains eventually.

The forelcosure auctions in my home State of Florida are all online.

If you want to do people a favor you can get their offer(s) in writing and then when they try some bait and switch on you - report them to the state and national licensing boards.