How do you feel about the ethical aspect? Now the home is not useful, except as an investment to you, but if you sold it there’s lots of ways you could make money instead (and in ways that provide value to others!). And the place would be someone’s home. Seems weird to let it be stay empty like that.
I had hoped to not wade too deep into this discussion for privacy reasons, but essentially I have quasi-rented it to someone close to me who I trust, and isn't in need of the place. They cover the utilities they use, and I don't charge them rent. Still, you have a valid point. I honestly don't like the AirBnBification of neighborhoods across the world. But, the time commitment I need right now to get licensure and then to interview rental candidates/hire a management just isn't worth the time commitment. Besides that, I like the optionality of visiting the city, and I did live in the house last year ( saved a ton on rent by buying in another state and working remotely there for my employer in California during the pandemic ). Hope that adds some clarity. I'm not part of the global elite!
You may not be part of the global super elite billionaires, but you certainly sound like a member of the global elite.