While I love the idea of eventually owning a paid-off primary residence, I’m debating whether it’s smarter to sell our current house and use the equity as a down payment on the new home or to keep it as a rental.

I’d recommend you do the same.It all started when we interviewing Lendbase we were told that all of the lenders in the Lendbase network accepted their underwriting.

Starting a business is hard and most of them fail, so it's not you.

You could get into a solid multi-unit or a single-family rental with real cash flow instead of hoping your Katy rental eventually fills.Not saying you should walk just yet, but if leasing drags out longer than expected, would you consider selling and reinvesting somewhere with better returns?

Good evening BP world,I am looking to make some contacts, specifically RE agents and hands-on investors in the phoenix area, in order to start acquiring some value add SFH investment properties.

Attend your local REIA and start connecting.  

Thanks for this perspective too @Aaron Zimmerman Based on this info above, I am starting to lean toward the $400k in cash versus the cash flow.

Lowe's just came out with their biggest appliance sale of the year- up to 40% off. And if you join Lowe's Pros, you'll get an additional discount (it's free to join). I believe that the sale goes through February 12th...

But all the articles I read , says it's best to use cost segregation(which will eventually be recaptured when sold or do a 1031) Given it's vacant for 3 months in 2024 .

I love the dedication of not giving up and eventually received a second chance. truly remarkable.