Of course some assets produce better than others so you need to consider those factors as well.So your answer is TBD and really cant be answered with the limited info thus far.

The best thing you can do to protect yourself is to have the basement tested for mold by a company that does only mold testing and not an abatement company.At the same time, you can send your tenant a letter warning them that they will be liable for mold testing if no harmful mold is found and you will pay for testing if any harmful mold is found.The very next thing we do is; send your tenant a certified letter telling them that if they suspect their health is at risk for any reason that relates to their rental unit then your tenant should not reside in your unit for one more minute and should move to a place they feel is safe because you will not assume liability for exacerbating their health issues, if any health issue in regards to mold exists.At this stage, all communications must be in writing and well-thought before communicating.Your situation has happened to us several times and we had a tenant who lived in a brand new unit for only 10 days and he told us he was vomiting and had nose bleeds that resulted from mold.

The world wants Walmart prices and Armani results.  

This is true for either free and clear or mortgaged properties.On a mortgage property, technically speaking, any transfer of title could result in the lender calling the note due.

As a result, I have been dealing with all maintenance and unit make readies myself.  

The calculation of net realizable value is based on several estimates which may ultimately vary materially from actual results, including our estimate of the price at which we expect sell each home in inventory and the associated expected costs to sell those homes."

Also, do not rely on the rapid increases resulting from COVID; these increases are not sustainable.

I think the best route is to test the demand in the market for a longer-term tenant and if that ends up not producing ideal results go to the STR.

I would search out the top 2 producing agents and use them. 

If I take cash-out refinance (e.g. 80% of equity) for this house so that I can use that money in some other investment, would it result in same (or simlar) tax benefit as like I have a refresh mortage on this house?