My strategy is buy & hold for stable cash flow with some appreciation over time. 

If they have a assets or a stable job with good pay, I would definitely go the lawsuit route and I would do this BEFORE they leave the property and you know where they are.

Depends on how you view risk and how stable your life/income/etc are for you.Assuming all of that is stable, I'm buying properties for sure. 

@Brett Jurgens,With strong equity and a good tenant, you have a few options:Cash-Out Refinance: Offers lower, fixed rates for stable monthly payments and lets you keep the property while using equity to invest in another rental.HELOC: Provides flexible access to cash, though with typically higher, variable rates that can fluctuate over time.1031 Exchange: If you're open to selling, a 1031 exchange could defer taxes and allow you to trade up to a higher-value property or diversify into a different market.Each option has pros, so it really depends on whether you want to hold onto the current property or leverage its value for something new.

This is the point that in my mind the house has reached a balance point and is stable.

All the markets you mentioned are solid choices for affordability and long-term growth potential.If you’re looking to narrow it down, consider Indianapolis or Columbia, SC, as both have strong rental demand, landlord-friendly laws, and stable economies.

But assuming its a stable but growing market, every dollar of Net Operating Income you are able to force is explosive to the underlying asset value.Under both of these scenarios, you do not need to syndicate as long as you don't go too big on the deal size. 

Some of our owners like to buy value add properties and it is up to us to raise rents, rehab properties, and make it a stable asset.

What markets have been stable for multi-family w/consistent strong rents?

LTR is stable, slow, and risk is low but potentially not as much cash (right away).Comes down to what goals you have and your risk threshhold - I have friends in CO springs who do STR and MTR, and works out great - but also have folks who LTR in that area and it pays for them self and it a great way to save money in places like taxes and build equity.