There's a high chance that you are feeling FOMO from the returns in public markets, sell your houses for a loss, pile into stocks, and then see mediocre performance while real estate heads back higher again.I see this, and similar actions, play out over and over.Personally, I'd stick with the real estate rather than selling it.

An uptick may be due to the decrease in bonus depreciation by 20% in the new year.

Location plays a big factor into this question. 

A good real estate accountant can save you thousands of dollars by leveraging entity selection and formation, tax deductions, cost segregations, bonus depreciation and tax planning.I recommend finding an accountant who specializes in real estate taxation and tax planning.You may want to consider working with your accountant remotely to expand your options.I would also recommend looking for a accountant willing to work with you throughout the year.

However, from the stories I've heard it so far, sounds like it can lead me to the life I want for my future if I play my cards right.

Preference is cash-flow, but open to appreciation/equity plays as well.

The seller converted one of the garages into a bonus room and it added 300sqft under AC.

Tenants will play games:1) Leave a minor home alone - no one should enter!

They are just playing with fire, really, but it happens everywhere.

I pay them a very nice bonus at the end of the year, so realistically it's probably more like $35/hr, so my labor cost for the job would be around $7,000.