We have average RE tax increases of 8-10% per year and there is no way to offset that with increase in rents.

If we make the changes you request, it could result in an increase in rent.

We are predicted to have strong future increases in population.

Remember that (generally) while the bank can not call your loan early or increase the interest rate, they NEVER want to give you back money you paid them. 

VRs can also increase long term rent as "affordable housing" properties decrease. 

HelloI am a single person, recently bought 2200 square feet house in Dallas county and unfortunately change in job nature, led to travel frequently.

Good morning BPers...Beginning in 2018, the conforming loan limit is set to increase about 6.8% from $424,100.

California has a wacky law where assessed value for property taxes can only increase at a very limited rate (~1%) so most people are locked into property tax rates much lower than their current home values, so this favors purchasing rather than waiting.$4300/month is at the high-end of affordability for me, so seems like the only way I'll be able to purchase a home of the quality/location I want is to liquidate (at least some portion of) my real estate portfolio.

I certainly understand your mindset, however I would go with the 2nd rental property rather than paying off the mortgage right away.You might initially have less cash flow, but rental income should increase while your mortgage payment should only be decreasing (assuming you don't have an adjustable rate mortgage).I also like the idea of having more than 1 rental property because, if each property is cash flowing like they should be, you have more of a financial cushion during periods in which one property is vacant.

We are also assuming the A class area will increase your quality of life as well for obvious reasons.