So after long term cap gains tax eats about $20k.

We plan to remove them all to protect from tax increases on our current primary, but I am afraid that now that the other properties won't have homesteads, we may see skyrocketing tax bills and it will eat into already small cash flow from rental income.Does anyone have advice for how to handle this situation other than just increasing rent?

You can't have your cake and eat it too.

@Chris KayCosmetic Updates - If you focus on flooring, paint, fixtures, and a basic kitchen and bath refresh, $50k is doable, especially in markets like Michigan.Full Kitchen and Bathroom Rehabs: Depending on finishes, these can eat up to $20k-$30k alone.

This can eat into your profits significantly. 

@Russell Brazil He closed his account, cause he needs to eat a lot of crow.   

Why do I need to tell people where to go and eat when they have Google and Yelp?

Do you eat out for lunch every day, get coffee twice a day, have a new fancy car, and buy the latest trends?  

They wanted to be close to stuff to do/eat, or be close to work.

You need to make progress so your holding costs don’t eat you up, but so many of the “good” people are busy.