I hope my suggestions help good luck to all. 

I've thought about buying on the high end of what I could afford (in highly desirable areas) in the hopes the property values will climb.Should I forgo financing entirely and buy something "cheap" that I can pay in cash or take a minimal mortgage on?

The situation we are faced with now is whether or not we should take a chance and renovate one of the units bathroom and kitchen prior to selling in hopes of making a return on the money put in for the renovations.

I’m a dentist and this is more like my side hustle, with the hopes I can do dentistry soon because I want to, not because I have to.  

@Mohit AroraLet’s also look at realityTenant doesn’t move in and then you have to “evict” a tenant not there and lose rent and try and collect something that doesn’t existLet them out of the lease, potentially keep the deposit and move onThis is why I also recommend a property manager - they typically will save you in the long run

I hope you realize now, after reading some of the other responses (except the last one) how ridiculous the question is.

I am hoping to find the best solution to this situation described below.

I left after a couple of years to do my own thing.Anyway, hope that helps.

@Wilson Pereira, It's all about the numbers and the opportunity cost.If you sell and pay the tax you lose not only the tax but any compounding effect on that tax. 

Hope there isn't too much exposure but wouldn't surprise me if somebody ends up with a fat fine from the SEC after this....