I don't think the market will continue to appreciate as it has over the past few years and that equity isn't something I can realize until I sell the property which I don't plan to do. 

So, hopefully that continues. 

When we moved, we turned it into a rental, hoping this would be the start of our real estate journey—something we’d like to continue once my husband retires.Some key details:My husband is active duty and will retire in 3 years.We have one final move coming up this summer to Raleigh, NC.Our current debts are crippling us—the high interest makes it tough to stay afloat every month.The plan I proposed to my husband:Sell the rental property.Use the proceeds to pay off all our debts, set aside emergency funds and a down payment for our next home.Free up $1,500/month from debt payments, and that also can stash in a high-yield savings account.Regain full VA loan entitlement, allowing us to purchase a multifamily home and use the house hacking strategy for up coming move.Avoid capital gains tax, since April marks five years of ownership, and the tenant’s lease ends in May.This wasn’t our original plan, and we hate the idea of using our equity to pay off debt.

So back to the drawing board, but for myself the big takeaway is to continue on the course that I set out on and too continually learn and stay involved with goals that I set out on and to stay focused.

@Stephen Williams - Sadly Kenny Shaw and his team continue along this path.

Honestly I have loved it and we are working to continue to growing.

There's no guarantee that there will be more inventory in the spring, and you should just continue to look, and when the right opportunity comes up, just grab it regardless of the timeline. 

The city’s robust economic growth and steady population influx continue to drive strong rental demand, making it an ideal choice for long-term investment success.Best of luck!

Lol) to support or debunk my thesis, I came away with several neighborhoods in Ohio that will continue to grow for both appreciation and cash flow in the next 5 years.  

Hi Sean from Long Island, New York-You are 18 and wonder if you should buy a duplex on Long Island which is an expensive area and likely would negative cashflow for you if you lived in one side--at least at first.You currently are still living at home and wonder if you should leverage your low cost of living to invest in a more affordable market.Obviously, the choice is a personal one, but if you could continue to keep your cost of living low living at home you could buy a cash flowing property in several markets in Michigan or similar areas and the equity would build up quickly.Then, you could use the equity to buy the next rental until you were ready to buy a house on Long Island or your priorities may change and you may decide to live somewhere else or work or school takes you other places.To Your Success!