Furthermore, in a time of potential inflation and devaluing of money - I want part of my nest egg in solid bricks (or siding, in this case:).  

The capitals gains hit would be around $38,000 but I feel like that is the smaller number compared to reinvesting now via 1031 and paying these super inflated prices only to be in the hole later.I am contemplating selling and holding for a few years or possibly using the sale to pay of my primary homes mortgage which would save me $135,000 in interest.

To keep things simple, I will ignore inflation, rent increases, and similar variables.

It's inflation.

With inflation, I've heard that it's best to collect debt secured in assets, but I want to know what y'all think of that statement?

Why give a person a property at cost, that will be worth the same amount in 15 years disregarding inflation, with very little repairs or tenant repairs; plus give them a revenue stream to pay it off.There isn't a lot of Meat left on the Bone. 

Also, the inflation is crazy and almost everyone Is busy, I won’t be surprised that the fee in 2021 is much higher than 2019. 

I don't believe we are going anywhere - from what I see, these instutitionals buy and sell in waves ... this may be a wave for them now because they're worried about inflation and parking money into a physical asset but small mom/pop will still own the majority.

The 5 profit centers are:- Net rental income (positive cash flow)- Tax savings- Principal paydown- Home price appreciation- Inflation-hedgingI've been investing in Jacksonville, FL since 2006. 

Rates are still low enough that against inflation you're still coming out better.