$3500 / 35000 = return on equity of 10%.Two 50k houses with combined 35k equity: Each appreciates 10%. (5000 + 5000) / 35000 = 28.6% RoE. 

They are very helpful for some one new to figure out the numbers such as COC, ROE, Cap rate... etc and gives you a better perspective on how best the numbers might serve your purpose.

So you start looking at ratios such Return on Equity (ROE) to see what kind of return you are getting on the money that is currently tied up in that property.

I'm really concerned that these 'helping' services can be overturned / clawed back so easily, especially 19-24 days later...

Aaron Paterson regarding your 1031 question: what is the ROE (return on equity) of your Colorado property?

@Kelvin Lee Eudaly's ultimate goal is to overturn the ban on rent control.

yep get ready for a long and bumpy ride if they do that,  judges would much rather pass the case on than risk their decision being overturned.

Let me get this straight: someone getting a "crappy" 4-5% cash flow return on their investment now, BECAUSE their property doubled in value over the last 5 years, and the ROE is now low?  

Are you trying to increase your ROE (return on equity) and ultimately increase your total return from your investments?

The basis of the concept is as the debt is paid down, your ROE (return on equity) goes down.