The beauty of SEC 8 is that if your working tenant loses their job, instead of losing their ability to pay rent, SEC 8 will kick in and pay 100% of the rent while they are searching for work.  

If not, or if the CA property compromises your ability to get a mortgage generally in NC, that would be an incentive to sell.It sound like you wouldn't see much in capital gains, so that doesn't influence your decision making.Personally, I think N.C. is a better market for cash-flow properties.

I'm trying to start my investments in real estate but I'm not sure how best to do that with the resources I have and also not jeopardize our ability to move.

I also have the ability to sell the house myself as an owner.  

Whenever you have a wet period that area will stay soggy because the soil will reach its maximum absorption capacity quickly without the ability to make it to subsurface fissures. 

If you have a W-2 job you might want to keep it and increase your ability to do more things.  

Theoretically the only thing holding anyone back in real estate is the ability to find deals and raise money.

I believe that in general, this is a game for the deep pocketed, with good lawyers and the ability to lose a few rounds.

I wouldn't do one without having the ability to close and possibly carry the property short term though.

@Harlan VaughnMany people prefer the ability to invest in alternative assets such as real estate to highly restrictive plans setup by brokerages.