In other words, I reminded them they are still $200 below market rents and that if they chose to move out, I would miss them, but the unit would be listed at $2400 for the next occupants - so they were getting a deal and I WAS sacrificing and compromising to keep them as great tenants.  

I see that as a major risk by eliminating the diversification of my tenants while sacrificing the security of a longer lease.

I paid for my rental properties by getting a good job, getting promotions and sacrificing my life style.

Once you hit your number, you have to re evaluate your situation, because at that point, if you no longer need more money, then you are sacrificing that finite amount of time you have left to accumulate more money that you don't need.While I don't agree with everything in the book "Die With Zero", the author Bill Perkins does do a good job of discussing the interplay  of time, health, and money.  

In my area it's difficult to find a house hack that will work nicely without sacrificing renting out the unit I will be living in.

In all seriousness, you make a great point that folks who are using real estate for this purpose are sacrificing liquidity and subject to thousands of dollars upon sale.I have to admit, I've been pondering if I should be a little more aggressive in finding my next deal in part because interest rates are so low. 

If you're a similar situation -- ie, you have a career that you don't mind and it pays the bills well -- sacrificing cashflow for appreciation will serve you better in the long term.Good luck!

Yes, you are sacrificing a bit of leverage and lowering your COC percentage, but if that's what it takes then thats how you could get there.

Sacrificing now will give you the freedom and income to buy whatever truck you want in the future.

Thanks Michael,I re- ran my numbers- I am only really sacrificing $2200, about 1%, which realistically can come and go in a bad day on the market anyway.