Paying off properties vs. buying more properties

[Dave Blackman]

Hi all,

I just purchased my first two properties in KCMO and am looking into more.  I have enough cash to purchase one more conventionally then I have to start getting creative (portfolio loans, private lending, etc).

Do you think it would be more advantageous to put monthly savings towards paying off the principle on the two current properties (could pay them both off in about 4 years with HELOC method which would save me long-term about 45k in interest), or continue to pay the conventional 30 year amortization/interest on those two and focus on acquiring more properties?

I know conventional wisdom says acquire more property, acquire more debt -- but as a "normal" person who uses extra savings left over from my disposable income (read: I'm not wealthy), I'm torn between going full force on reducing debt on the current properties vs. acquiring more debt via other means.  With the interest rates looking like upward movement is imminent, I'm swayed towards acquiring as many loans locked in at today's lower rates as I can max out at -- and then focus on paying them off starting in 1-2 years.

Thoughts?