However, home prices have yet to show a year-over-year decrease and are, indeed, still rising.Austin’s housing inventory remained at 2.4 months, which was 1.5 months higher compared to this time last year.

I have noticed a flips on the market for months with decreasing prices and we aren't planning on trying to flip in this market. 

My goal is to decrease my taxable income and have 35 k a month for retirement in 20years.

However, I tried accommodating the tenant and decreased the early termination charge to 1/2 month's rent. 

Advantages of paying of primary home mortgage#1 Ability to borrow on your home in the future increases as your principal decreases#2 One step closer to financial freedomDisadvantages of paying off primary home mortgage#1 Loss of tax savings from mortgage interest.  

I notice a trend of Sfr's sitting on the market for longer with decreases in asking price and a few of the over priced multi's are sitting stagnant as well.  

Diversification decreases risk in some ways#2  How would a relatively new investor learn about new markets and expand their knowledge of REI if they stayed in 1-2 markets only?  

It is located in a realitively small town with diversified industry and very gradual decrease in population.

This just might solve three problems for you: 1. going from negative to positive cash flow, 2. deferring the capital gains / depreciation recapture tax hit, and 3. significantly decreasing your risk of fumbling your exchange.

The reason being is that it will decrease your cash on cash return since you are needing more money up front.