bad idea to pay off Mortgage early?

[Mary Joe]

Hi All

Is it a bad idea to pay off mortgage early?   Not from a TAX perspective but from a legal exposure perspective. 

I am thinking if people see that there is still a mortgage on the property, they will less likely  come after you with frivolous lawsuits.   Does it make sense or it doesn't really matter?

My preference is to pay off the mortgage early, but may hold off if the mortgage can actually help reduce unnecessary lawsuits from tenants or anyone. 

Any advice would be appreciated.