Think diversification. 

Most importantly, it would increase the returns and decrease the risk of their portfolio (which is possible because of the diversification international investing provides).Too few investors do it but most do not because they have no idea how to do it and they do not have the right contacts.

I’m a conservative investor (raised in Eastern Oregon cattle/logging country) and something in my bones (not Dave Ramsey) tells me to pay off my properties, which I do in sync with investing in businesses and the stock market; all of which follows the prudence of diversification.

I find this business model to be the best for growth and diversification in the market as things adjust.

In your case, I would prefer to sell taking advantage of the capital gains exemption and bring a wider portfolio geographically closer with more diversification.

I think some of this boils down to if you're investing purely for diversification or if you see other advantages. 

. - Lack of diversification, for the cost of option 1. we could probably get 2 - 3 investment properties in less expensive markets. - Earthquakes - If STR doesn't work, we're on the hook for a big monthly payment. - VERY hard to find a house that fits...2.

I am looking to buy my next property in the huntsville area just from diversification perspective.

These last few years I've been working on my Bachelors of Science in Biological Sciences with a Concentration in Neurobiology, preparing to enter medical school, and learning how to generate generational wealth and income diversification through real estate investing.

Geographic diversification, lower barriers to entry, less capital required, and despite the fact that it's been proven that you don't have to use it as a way to build capital for multis, it's still a great way to do so.