Best use with a year of rent upfront?

[Jason H.]

Hi BP Community,

I'd like to survey the forums on the best use of a year's worth of rent paid by a great tenant upfront on a personal residence that is just in the 1st year of a 30 year conventional.  Leave it in the bank account to auto-pay the mortgage each month, or put it towards the principal but still pay the monthly out-of-pocket as if nothing changed?  Plan to keep the house for at least 5-10 years.