The only thing I'd mention is cash flow with a paid off property is a lot higher than with a mortgage, so it is 6 of one, half dozen of another. 

When investing in real estate, having multiple exit strategies is key.For a single investment property, make sure the numbers work for both scenarios: 1️) If you decide to sell the home, the deal should produce a solid return. 2️) If you need to rent it out, the rental income should cover expenses and provide a profit.Flexibility is what saves you when things don’t turn out as planned.

I'm tempted to do what many have said which is to just use a debit card, but I get 2% back on a CC, which is not insignificant when managing dozens of vendors, and I really hate to change a process that's working because the software I chose is lacking a basic feature.  

Quote from @Scott Tennell: For real estate investors who have worked with private money lenders, what strategies have you found most effective in structuring deals to ensure both parties are protected and the funding process runs smoothly? 

That includes going to the bank and getting a cashiers check.Pay them at the bank, get deed notarized there, then take it to Register of Deeds and file deed.I have done this a half dozen times to keep from missing out on a great deal.For what I'm paying any risk is negligible.  

This strategy would preserve more of your equity and make reinvestment more efficient.You could use the exchange to buy multiple properties in diverse, high-yield markets, achieving your goal of increased cash flow.Reassess the Property’s Cash Flow:Before selling, explore ways to improve the cash flow on your current property.

There are over 2 dozens of your clients all with different stories but similar situations.

Also I’m not sure on the tax implications of settlements but work with a CPA on a strategy.  

I also agree that RE appreciation is unlikely to match the last dozen years, but you never know.Where I am unsure we agree is that paying $450k to improve the cash flow ~$3k (your numbers but I expect my delta wold be similar meaning both my cash flow estimates would be worse than yours but both would be worse by the same amount not affecting the difference) makes sense especially if the cost of having the extra $450k is only 6% rate which is historically simple to beat via numerous investment options and hopefully no one is investing in RE for an expected of 6%.  

There are conventional strategies and unconventional strategies to get started in real estate.