@Toby Fellows I feel ya as I am mainly an investor as well but also hold a RE agent license.

Quote from @Scott Mac: Can the staff force you to do that or hold you up in some way?

You can use this property to hedge any others that you add that may only cover themselves, or require supplement until they are paid off.HOWEVER, if you have decided that your goal is to use Real Estate as a stepping stone to build wealth by upgrading the property you hold each time (condo to house, house to 4-plex, 4-plex to 8 unit, etc) then I think you are right to sell now while you think the property is at the top of it's appreciation.It will be hard for anyone on BP to tell you what to do as we don't know your goal.You are right. 

Are there any good up and coming areas that you think are decent long term holds for a primary house?

As for the areas to target, my goal in getting our feet wet as real estate investors--and since we plan to be living in Sac--is to find a property we can live in while renting out one or more units to help cover our housing expenses, which we can then hold and continue to rent out when we move.

One major things to consider that many newer investors miss with 5+ units, is that if you intend to hold, the property will need to be at least 75% occupied and stabilized before you will be able to find reasonable financing terms. 

My plan is to purchase a home that I will hold onto while hoping to gain both forced and time appreciation.

Investment Info:Small multi-family (2-4 units) buy & hold investment. 3 unit apartment complex What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

P.S. also reach out to experienced real estate agents that cater to buy and hold investors and let them know of your intentions and availability.

Implement scalable systems and processes to effectively manage and grow your real estate holdings.