If you do, how about expanding on your current idea by getting a cute little house near your school and trying it as a short term rental on Airbnb?

I also would be interested in areas near the base, but have quite a few that have come as far south as my neighborhood.

ally bank and barclays bank are offering online savings accounts at/near 2%

I wouldn't hold onto a property that's not producing cash flow, and given then you already have some good appreciation locked in and it's likely we're nearing the top of this cycle, I'd cash out, bypass Uncle Sam with the 1031, and start building your portfolio in a more cash-flow friendly market .You're in a good position, but it could be even better ;)If you have any questions about the snowball method I mentioned above or the Birmingham market, feel free to reach out any time.

Keep in mind that Amazon is scheduled to come to Arlington (the neighboring city) in the near future as well as the projected economic downturn.

Well, “near end of life” can be subjective.  

Evicting a paying tenant is damn near impossible.

Hi Faraad /Ryan,Thanks for the message.Units were off Westheimer near the Galleria.

@Joe Cicero, the conversion could be super easy...or near impossible.

Try posting in the North Carolina forum "Looking for lender near X city" as your subject line and give a little of what you need (like what you posted above) and you should have some good locals provide who they use for this sort of thing.I hope all this makes sense how I am describing this but feel free to tag me with anything additional you want to ask.