In my own heart, I felt it would have been greedy to have insisted on it just because I could. 

As far as contracting, that's always been part of my diet and I am putting myself out there for freelance work as well.

Electricians are in demand, but is it enough to take the risk of taking out a $100k loan to start a company that I'll be on a diet of Ramen noodles for the next year or are you so desperately looking for trades that I can hold up a cardboard sign and land 3 jobs within an hour?

@Jon Coleman You have a lot deeper background than I could assume - and your heart is at the right place!

I had done enough research and knew in my heart I wouldn't lose it all.  3) Have enough cash reserves to fix any surprises that may arise. 

But what your heart is saying is sell, pay the tax and pay off those properties. 

First off, a hearty welcome to this forum! 

I own a small plumbing company, but my heart is not in plumbing.

Any other answer would be akin answering "should I stop my usual eating habits and switch to ____ diet?" 

Nothing in particular, I want to change my diet a bit, avoid meat as much as I can.