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.

Make sure you have reserves so that a small temporary shortfall isn't impactful on you.

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.

Pain in finding deals is temporary.

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.

Plus, insurance premiums are expected to decrease, and there are cool opportunities in Tampa for ADUs and tiny homes.

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

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

This historic district might not decrease as much but, it makes me a little uneasy that they are telling you that you can get 20% over the current comps you are finding.