Bear in mind, real estate is a very local business.

I guess the fact that this traces back to John Locke and was part of the original ideals that this country was founded on has no bearing on whether or not it applies.

Equity doesn't pay the bills.Whether it was amortization or appreciation that contributed to the equity the OP currently has would have no bearing on my advice.

The admonitions against debt in the Bible and in our old saying Neither A Borrower Nor A Lender Be are based on thousands of years of human experience. 

Ok so, I believe they are organized block, lot...not sure if thats right (bear with me I am new!)

Would you fight if they took away the 2nd Amendment (the right to keep and bear arms)?

The U.S. dollar started its multi-year bear market rally right when Gold peaked in April of 2011.

If you do rent it, and want to maintain the yard for astetic and other reasons, figure on paying for the lawn to replaced yearly and do not expect the tenants to bear the cost as I do believe a judge would agree with you withholding a deposit for that reason.Some properties while ideal for a personal residence are not nor ever will be good rental properties.

Quick easy question.I understand tenant security deposits go into an interest bearing checking account, my questions are:1.  

That first one can be a bear to get possesion of, but once you have it, you get all the appreciation and equity benefit that provides funds for the next one.