And what they did prevent was the ridiculous wealth gap we now see and enabled huge investments in infrastructure (like the entire interstate, railroads, electrification, telecommunications etc etc) that we still rely on today.For all the whining about changes in tax policy for real estate or capital gains, there is no historical evidence to suggest it will dramatically change the trajectory of the market. 

For us investor, price trajectory is more important than population growth.

Smaller town, but similar growth trajectory and strong fundamentals. 

Go to REIAs and talk with other market experts, you'll get a good handle on the trajectories of different areas. 

Just point out the greater risk of not changing your current trajectory (a good way to do this is to make a long term financial plan based on maintaining your current income/spending patterns for the next 20 years- that's usually enough to shock most people into action)It's true that some people never get off the earn/consume treadmill.

As of right now, I like paid for and clear, but it doesn't mean that at some point in my trajectory as an investor, I might be better off to look for an accelerated growth model, which BRRR could provide.

The amount of positive words you hear by age 5 determines your whole trajectory in life.

@Brian Burke is absolutely right that you want to seriously consider the market trajectory for where to put your funds. 

Heck, if these interest rates continue at this trajectory, I might be refinancing again anyway.The best route would to be upfront and honest with your mortgage banker even if your situation changes.

It’s about living your best life and taking a step of faith to try something that might change your life and your generation trajectory forever!