Very few people move out of storage in the middle of the winter and all locations around are full. 

Negotiation made a lot of things possible.Someone told me, "This is simple; these people are beginners."

Trying to convince people that permitted work is better is like beating your head against a wall.

This was pretty short lived, however, and once spring hit we saw things go back a pretty "normal" competition level.

Should I just sell, take the huge hit, but then use that $50k-$60k for a better investment?

@Patrick Irish based on what you say, the Sec 121 Exclusion and the 1031 Exchange both seem like they'd be good options for you to defer capital gains on sale of the townhouse.Sec 121 Exclusion has 3 requirements: First, Determine whether any of the automatic disqualifications apply (acquired property through 1031 exchange in last 5 years, or subject to Expat taxes)Next, meet the ownership requirement -> you owned the home for at least 24 months (2 years) out of the last 5 years leading up to the date of sale (date of the closing)Finally, meet the residence requirement -> owned the home and used it as your residence for at least 24 months (or 730 days) of the previous 5 yearsThere is no “Wiggle Room” but there is a Sec 121 “partial exclusion” for people like you that missed the residence requirement by a few months.

I'm a multifamily analyst for a bank that originates all sorts of real estate loans, and I am looking to connect with people that have a passion for real estate and money.

If you need to take a bit of a hit in the short-term for long-term financial stability (more doors/cash flow/equity) then I would recommend exploring options in that way.Good luck!

The unit I want to occupy has 3 people living in it, when is it safe to give them a notice to vacate and does anyone have a template for this?  

Obviously, there are people that leave W2s to get into real estate full time.