Best Investment of money on owner occupied

[Thomas Kelly IV]

So now that I am finally in and settled generating passive income in my first owner occupied property, now I seek wisdom.  What is the best investment of my money?  Pay off my mortgage? (My rate is only 3.25 after streamline refinance).  I have beautifully updated up and downstairs, and am going to wrap up the outdoor landscaping minimally in springtime.  So once again, do I continue to invest in solar to minimize monthly outgoing expenditures?  I am also considering geothermal heating/ac when my furnace does go eventually.  Just didn't know if my mortgage payoff should be my main focus right now, and I would like other opinions.  Keep in mind I have a 10 year plan to be moved on to my next after this one.  (Preferably another 2-4 unit next, or my dream home).  And this is all tenative, could be sooner.  Also my bills, taxes and utilities for this property are what I would consider very cheap.

[Nik Corbaxhi]

@Thomas Kelly IV, congratulations on your achievements so far!

Before you read below, you need to state what your long term goals are. I would not recommend you do any of the options that you are giving, which seem to be aligned with what most investors would advise. 

1. Paying your mortgage early - this is a no (for me at least). You want to maximize your cash in hand in order to re-invest and grow your portfolio. Putting your money to pay the mortgage early does not help you with that goal, if that is a goal of yours. 

2. Going geo-thermal/solar panels end all of the likes - think about return on investment. Is this because it will make you the cool guy on the block, or does it truly financially make sense? what is your opportunity cost for doing so? would you be helping the tenants by going solar? do they really care?  

3. Buying your dream house  - I would say way too soon for that. I don't truly know your financial situation, but if you have one property that is somewhat covering your expenses, and your goal is continue growing (which seems like it is), then this would be too soon. You will find yourself to be house poor and it would be a very big step back. 

I would recommend you to be very disciplined and save as much as you can, especially if you are living practically free since your payment is covered by your tenants. Your 10 year goal can be cut in half or even more if you prioritize where your money goes and set up savings goals. You want to leverage your sources of income, save quickly, and think of the next move to continue growing your portfolio.