So I don't see the VALUE of houses having gone up, but I do see the PRICE of the houses having gone up because the VALUE of the money has decreased.  

Over the last year rental rates have decreased approximately 7% and with the continued development surrounding the area many renters are feeling the pinch if they want to stay in popular areas located in and around Austin.

Akron has a decreasing population.

Secondarily, if we can have a year wherein we can significantly decrease our tax liability thought REI, we would use that year to convert some of our tax deferred investments (403b, 457b) to in-plan Roth conversions and pay the taxes on those conversions - hoping that makes sense.We are open to STR, MTR, LTR - we just want to make a wise decision that lowers our tax liability. 

Currently, the rental income would not cover the mortgage payments, but I'm considering refinancing if interest rates decrease (possibly conventional to free up VA entitlement) as well as adding a fifth bedroom to increase rental income.My Plans: I intend to retain the NC property due to a stable tenant with a recently renewed year-long lease.

That would be important info to know.Keep in mind that a 3/1 may have a significant decreased market appeal as compared to a 3/2.

The market here is slowing down a bit, especially on the retail side where homes are selling for over 500k.On the investment side, we've noticed a significant price decrease in properties in Flood Zone AE due to skyrocketing insurance premiums.

As the broker of Investing N Florida, I frequently encounter clients who prefer to wait for interest rates to decrease before purchasing a home.

A certain percentage of tenants will pay late, a certain percentage will default, and a certain percentage will require eviction.The “problems” increase as the desirability of the property decreases.  

My family outgrew the home and I wanted to pull the equity prior to house prices decreasing.