Strategy for living abroad 5yrs

[Jared Hagens]

My wife and I just purchased our first home and now my work is sending my family overseas for 5yrs where we will live rent free. We would love any suggestions on a good strategy for how to move forward. 

We plan to rent our home while I’m away because we only put 5% down. Our monthly payment will be $3400 and rent will be roughly $2400. 

While we are away, should we simply pay off the mortgage (it will take me approximately 5yrs based on my calculations of additional payments I can afford). Or, is there a more savy approach we should consider to take advantage of our free living situation and maybe try purchasing more rentals? Thanks!