Pete.If you’re planning another multi next year, definitely use that W2 while you’ve got it — HUGE advantage before you retire out of the Marine Corps.

I'd love to build one day but I find right now with the market we can buy existing homes that are operating from day one from retiring operators at a fraction of what I can buy from.

The people leaving are those nearing retirement, retired or filthy loaded.   

Selling one property to add a liquid, taxable account for college/retirement flexibility is a totally rational move — especially with kids about to hit college and you wanting to retire in 10–14 years.One thing to double-check:Since the sale is 11/24/25, make sure the tax estimates line up (federal, Colorado, NIIT if it applies, depreciation recapture).

Don't do it if this is all you have in retirement.

I am currently doing some property maintenance and repairs on a privately owned senior care retirement facility with 100% occupancy with 12 residents.

Motivation....they have to have a driving force like:New job in new location, must move before job starts.Life event....marriage, kids, divorce, retirement....must get more bedrooms or reduce expenses.Investor with cash they want to invest...especially 1031 clients.Everyone who is comfy in their house and just "thinking" of moving, is NOT moving. 

My adult children have 9 properties now ~ they advise me to buy a few rentals to provide eventual income supplementation after I retire. ( Who wants to be the retiree wiping tables at McDonald's ?

I retired as an Army Captain in 2023 and I currently work as a manager in aerospace defense manufacturing managing a ~$3.8B production portfolio.

Now retired and traveling I'm thinking of selling and investing in dividend ETF's for income rather than rent.