That said,  council has been fairly quiet lately on rental issues,   perhaps because they were all focused on the seattle head tax debacle, and also I think they are starting realize it wasn't just threats as they see a lot of smaller owners selling.    

Plus...escape velocity...Episode 113 – Jay Papasan - Very practical slow and steady adviceEpisode 221 - Tim Shiner - his concept of equity build up and "shearing the sheep" shows some of the flexibility of real estate vs a 401k Last but not least, I also recommend all the tax advice given by my fellow CPAs on the BP Podcast.

The income the tax advantages the appreciation the liquidity of the asset the ability to retire safer etc., explain that bad things happen primarily by getting bad tenants as a result of poor screening .

hi @Oz Radianosend me your questions and I will do my best to answer, I have my tax certificate from the IRS and also I am well experienced dealing with foreign investors...

Or do you have to pay the tax on all gains regardless of whether you spend that money on building a new home? 

Notice I have never tried to correct you on our inherent problem. yup one of my homes that's was the case poorly built.. and in Texas were no licenses were or are required.. this happens.. and guess what those are usually the distressed homes.. this market for fix and flip in my mind is for the local pro's I got my butt kicked and will never go back.. and then when your fooling with these homes.. the tax's pile up on you.. and then of course when your just about done you get hammered by a hail storm and have to go through roof replacement..  

This is only if all the usual expenses have been accounted for (purchase, taxes utilities, holding, closing, etc.) and your re-hab budget (+15%), plus the market being in the right place or will be soon enough (which is tough to predict). 

Pull tax default list from rebo gateway and you will get deals

Maintenance, Taxes, Insurance will never stay the same.

Sell and take the tax free gain.