Long-term macroeconomic shifts like generational housing preferences and population growth are going to occur with or without real estate investors.

The growth is stagnant.

We’re both comfortable with our position, but we want to position ourselves for growth in the future.

Meaning, I would:    ~close on rental property at 123 Main Street    ~take profits from 123 Main & 1031 Exchange them by paying off current primary residence at 567 Oak Street    ~take out new conventional loan and move into new primary residence at 9876 Eagle Ave    ~rent out 567 Oak Street    ~complete all tasks within 180 daysI hope that makes sense.

It is poised for more appreciation and rental growth. 

For 2016, these were the top 10 real estate markets to watch.https://www.trulia.com/blog/10-hot-real-estate-markets-to-watch-in-2016/They looked at five metrics: strong job growth over the past year, low vacancy rates, high affordability, more inbound home searches than outbound, and a large share of millennials.

I don't live in Raleigh but excited about the growth this area has seen.I am looking to diversify my investment and want to buy my second rental investment property in this area.

I've used search bar for area analysis on Bigger Pockets and found two forum posts about researching a area to anticipate market trends.My most urgent task is the homework needed to schedule and meet one or two real estate agent in my dad's area.

Will be mainly mom and pop type properties that are hard to run from afar.If it is not a 1031 exchange why not invest with a sponsor or split the money into multiple higher quality projects with equity growth potential?

Don't inhibit your own growth on account of someone elses issues.