You're sacrificing cash flow (which actually produces a measurable return on your investment) for appreciation. 

I do my best to limit my exposure to this wild west style lawsuit culture we have.I am starting to flip properties but, for the last few years I have purchased rentals to hold. 

A subject-to can be beneficial as it allows you to enter a deal with potentially no financing or limited financing of your own, lower money out of pocket, and increased cash on cash returns.

I lack experience and am limited on local knowledge, for now.

It's difficult to give specific advice/feedback with the limited information provide and no photos of the property.

Texas likes to chase the sales price, Arizona limits the annual increase to 5%. 

The second is the conforming loan limit. 

I personally think Airbnb is here to stay but it will be limited to corporate arbitragers and homeshare hosts in the cities that don't currently have ordinances due to the bad PR that Airbnb has around it.

I am limited to where I can put these obviously, and initially decided on putting the upstairs units in the kitchen.

Otherwise, your loss would be limited to 3000 and could not offset your ordinary income.