I continued to buy the next few rentals cash(From the HELOC) and worked to pay down the HELOC as quickly as I could.

They tear them down & build homes that literally fill the max allowable lot footprint so I can't wait to see the monstrosity they build on it.Case in point one block away...another one going upthat's the sand box we play in  transformation real estate.. 

They story continues, but I will spare you any more details. 

My tenant notified me that there was a leaking in a room, that they use as play room.

Definitely still looking to continue investing in the area. 

That being said, term leases automatically become month to month leases when the tenant continues to pay rent, and there is no renewal clause.

You can certainly find towns with cheaper homes, but Colorado Springs is a desirable town that is growing quickly, and will continue to grow for years to come. 

I want to dive a little deeper and I think I will continue working on acquiring an investment property while, as you mentioned, networking to assist others in buying and selling. 

Time sure flies during holiday seasons and everything slows down, except holding costs continue as usual.

You want to inflict a level of pain for them to continue to occupy *your* house once you've sold it that will encourage them to go - unless, of course, the objective is to maintain them as a long-term tenant.