You will lose one of the best benefits of the real estate industry, appreciation.

Are there any additional considerations?

Additionally, while rates aren't historically bad right now, they are higher than 4-5 years ago, and they will be even higher for you as an investor than they were as an owner occupant, which is what you were when you bought originally.I get that you are anxious to add to your portfolio, but that could be achieved without touching your first golden goose.Sometimes on BP, the push is to leverage every last spare penny, but that can be a risky game as the markets shift. 

In southern CA, even garage conversion ADU additions are typically costing more than the value added.  

Additionally, please share if this was a scam or not.

Additionally, many deals tend to fly under the radar, so networking within organizations like NARPM (National Association of Residential Property Managers) can help uncover opportunities.If anyone reading this is considering selling their property management company in Texas, feel free to share—I’m genuinely interested in connecting.

Can provide all the benefits from a cash flow and tax perspective.

Longer Tenure in HomesData from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows people are staying in their homes for a decade (see graph below):This increased tenure means homeowners benefit even more from home values growing over time.

Either way, with rent and price appreciation, tax benefits, holding long term is a net worth exploder.

Unless you are unknowledgable, my bet is you could make more from rent than sale, and still have the benefits of owning the original home while you go do something else.The 25K you have left in property will be netting you(gross) of $350 mo or 4200 per year.