The market has plenty of older properties that need renovation, a favorable refi environment, and is generally landlord friendly.That said, it's not all upside Cleveland has slower appreciation, harsh winters, and older homes that often require significant repairs.I sold over 50 value add deals last year and I can say that if you have even a "good" GC crew (doesn't have to superstars) you can raise and repeat this process all throughout the Westside and parts of East.

And it's very pertinent to today's environment because it doesn't look like interest rates will be coming down much, if at all this year.

Should I sell the investments (pretend we're in a non-recession normal stock market environment), and payoff the rental?

2-4 units cashflowing in today's environment is very tough, namely due to high prices and high interest rates. 

I tend to agree, in this uncertain investing environment it makes sense, it just feels weird to have that much cash not working for me. 

I also realize there isn't a big market here in the current economic environment.

I've had smooth loans close with Kiavi and I've had rough ones, same with Roc.When Loans start to be troublesome:1) The borrowing entity docs are a mess2) The appraisal numbers are lower than expected3) Messy background reports4) Loans happening in an environment where market/rate fluctuating unpredictably 5) Your loan officer and their team are poor at their job6) Title issues that depend on county docs, that can be slow and painfulThere's more but it's Friday and I'm tired....

If you’re a Pilot you’re in a white collar environment.  

I think in this environment lenders are changing requirements, guidelines, and product availability daily.

A more stable rate environment could ease the “lock-in effect” and encourage more existing homes to hit the market.As we head into 2025, I’ll be watching these trends closely.