If you kept the property, and accumulated the CF/yr, it would take you 25 years to get that same equity that's sitting, frozen in your property.Also, if you cashed out and used that same equity as a DP on different RE, at 20% DP, that equity would buy you $2M in PV, not just $700k,...and, I'd be willing to bet, you could find new RE that would have a yearly CF well over $20k/year.On top of that (remembering my initial statement above), any appreciation applied would be applied to $2M, not just $700k. 

For single family residential I think it is a red flag, usually price if they are sitting.

So how many times did you have a Due on Sale Clause enforcedMany banks didn't even had DOS clauses in their contracts in the 70's. It

I’m predicting that people sitting on the sidelines due to rate volatility over the past year will realize that waiting is futile and will stop sitting on their hands.

How long do they sit on the market, are you finding them in move-in-ready condition, or will they need work before you move in? 

I would probably go with a HELOC as you won't have to pay for what you're not using unless you've got a specific property you're going to be buying with that money so you know you won't just take out the loan and sit on it paying interest all the while. 

Purchased a property that needed some work and on the lower end of the market so homes were sitting.

20-25% I guess you have your reasons for the down payment discrepancy between citizens and non-citizens, haha, but it doesn't sit too well with me.

I am now out 50k and have a few hundred grand sitting in escrow.7. not willing to just walk from 50k if there was not this 50k I would have just moved on.8.

If your local market is very active and homes are selling fast, you may be able to get by with doing less.Your Home’s Condition: If your home is vacant or has a unique layout, using a professional stager who can bring in the right furniture and accessories may help buyers truly visualize its full potential.Your Budget: Talk to your agent to get an idea of staging costs in your area, as it can be the difference between your house selling and sitting.