Barring any unforeseen expenses, we would be at about 15% or so.

Sure, you'll pay a little more in interest, but if something unforeseen happens, you have the flexibility to reduce your payments to get through a rough patch.I would challenge you to think about think about how you fund the kid's tuition a little differently.

Skipping on this, or having it done poorly can cause a ton of unforeseen issues down the road.

We were due to close on the sale of our house on July 3rd, and about to move up the closing date on the duplex, when an unforeseen obstacle happened.

I HIGHLY doubt your stock return is lower than your interest rate on your note.I would suggest taking that cash to roll into a 2nd property vs. paying off your first one and then keeping a chunk of it in cash as a reserve to cover any unforeseen expenses or months where you go without rent.

It also gives you the mental stamina to bounce back from unforeseen challenges quicker and more effectively.3.

John,  Luckily FHA has an extenuating circumstance rule that allows for a borrower to still purchase or refinance if they show the late payments, forbearance, modification was due to unforeseen circumstances. 

You need to take a stand and be able prove that this is unforeseen circumstances.

If you own and they are your tenants.. what if for some unforeseen reason they stop paying you?

Replaced AC unit (unforeseen cost).