Wait... the rentals are generating positive cash flow but they still advised him to sell?
WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK, PAUL? YOU HAD ONE JOB.
Assuming those are financed rentals, anything above break-even (in immediate cash-flow terms) is a long-term moneymaker through equity accumulation and appreciation. And that small positive cash flow means he's probably in that Schedule E sweet spot where depreciation makes them a loss on paper, reducing the taxable portion of that six-figure income. The best thing to do if you're overextended there (but not badly so) is just tighten up and hang on.
Just the transactional costs alone on selling three properties could run tens of thousands between cosmetic repairs, commission, and capital gains taxes.