Many would suggest against RE investing using retirement money but if you go into low risk opportunities it can be a powerful diversification method.

Quote from @Aaron Zimmerman: Quote from @Bonnie Low: My current CPA came via recommendation from another investor.

They must be very low odds because insurance companies are in the business of making money, not paying out maximums.

Personally I like keeping my properties that I know are successful and have low maintenance.

Now all taxes are based on a super low rate you can’t fight. 

note if we sell the primary residence, it is very likely we will not need mortgages to buy smaller rentals as we would use that mostly.Though I take your point on keeping it. our house was a new construction (3 years old) though so possibly low maintenance risk to keep for a rental. 

You may have an advantage since there is very low deal volume in your area, and may have multiple bidders.Good luckGino

In some areas with low water cost the expense of splitting may not be worth it.

So making it my primary is a low bar.   

The type of the neighborhoods where his properties were located didn't fit in with my plan but he did well and the purchase costs were low.