The number one comment from all potential buyers was the design.

•Off-market deals: Creative strategies for connecting with potential sellers and standing out in a competitive market.

Back home I would make a packet for my appraiser and never had a bad appraisal due to the that I specified the value add and the Reno amount and broke it down so they saw the potential and it always worked.  

At a 7% annual return, this could grow to $908K after 10 years, providing immediate liquidity and diversification.Alternatively, holding the property could yield $825K net equity after taxes in 10 years, assuming a $900K sale, with the potential to defer taxes via a 1031 exchange if reinvested into another property.

If I pay it off, I could maximize cash flow earlier, reducing financial stress and allowing me to focus on other ventures or simply enjoy life more.On the other hand, I know some people advocate for keeping cheap debt and using the extra cash to invest elsewhere for potentially higher returns.Why I’m leaning toward paying it off:Security: No debt = peace of mind.Financial freedom earlier: A fully paid-off rental would give me a significant monthly cash flow?

.- Many of these HCOL areas also have strict limitations on AirBnB or short-term rentals... that do not apply to owner-occupants - thus allowing for extreme cashflow potential for house-hackers.

This allows for deferral of capital gains taxes until December 31, 2026, with potential reductions in the taxable amount if held long-term.

Convince yourself that there's a better than average chance that you will lose, and if you can live with the time, energy and money spent if you do. 

With big benefit potential of possibly retaining "Graduated" persons who are now highly trained, proficient employees. 

There is a tremendous amount of energy around the long term prospects for the Cape.