Almost nothing penciled out and I wasn't interested in buying properties with negative cash or banking on the possibility of future appreciation.So I resisted buying bad deals and pretty much sat on the sidelines from 2005 to 2009 and continued to build up cash, contacts, my credit score, and my RE knowledge/education. 

The only thing I can think of that may be harder to deal with if I am not local is routine maintenance issues, but I was thinking I can just ask around for some handy man referrals to have at the ready in case those smaller issues arise, while I would instruct our future tenants to contact our service provider for any emergency issues. 

I figured to up my 401k and borrow against it in the future

But I’m sure I’d be open to other locations as well in the future.  

Future properties wil also be purchased with LLC but do not want to change the title for tax purchases per accountant.

Never really sure what the future holds, but I would like to hold for cash flow. 

I'd love to hear about other people's experiences in the area and what they think about the future for Raleigh as it continues to grow in comparison to places like Charlotte or Austin. 

I don’t currently have the money to just pay it off but considering if I should attack the loan over the next few years or save liquid funds for future deals. 

Setting up a bank account at a local bank or credit union could help grow your business in the future.

They failed you.The solution is to not use real estate agents in the future.