I've been in the fire service since 8 years now, and I'm starting to lose my flame (pun intended) with it plus cancer rates are really making me question an extended career.

I think a heart to heart with some cookies and milk (excuse the pun) is warranted.

Read through the forums here or best - listen to podcasts that will help make such decisions.I am surprised no one has suggested Stock market, Crypto or WSB yet (pun intended) :)Best to you in your investment journey!!

I am in the Boston area, and the RE prices are through the roof (RE pun intended).

Otherwise you're building a house of cards (no pun intended).If you are using conventional lenders for financing properties, the decision won't be yours to determine. 

Hey Team,I've started looking into real estate investing Oct. 2017 and have done 1 wholesale deal and am in the middle of a sandwich lease option deal, no pun intended.

At this point, you're playing with House money (almost no pun intended) in Durham -- it would be a shame to prematurely cash out unnecessarily. 

I'd very much look forward to your contributions as this is but a mere cottage industry (pun intended).

pun!

If it were me, I'd budget for that and get it done as soon as possible, and at the same, solve the root (pun very much intended) causes to ensure it doesn't happen again with your new pipes.