Very little equity producing a higher return then prior to the HELOC. 

INcome funds will produce higher returnes.A wiser move than paying down a mortgage is to take that cash and invest it outside of real estate in something like a income fund.

If that is the case, then mortgage interest on a note is passive and not subject to UBIT.UBIT applies when a tax-exempt entity engages in a trade or business on a regular or repeated basis.Passive income not subject to UBIT includes royalties, dividends, interest, rent from real property and gains on the sale of an asset that has been held to produce such passive income.Trade or business subject to UBIT generally consists of services or buy/sell transactions. 

I think real estate has far more tangible benefits and can produce better wealth and income than stocks for most investors.

I will add that while neither was purchased with the knowledge and full analysis of being an income producing property, the area is strong enough to support the homes as such, and we will even be able to have a (very) small cash flow within the first year. 

Alabama, in general, is producing jobs at amazing rates, so you’ve picked a solid canvas, IMO.

Of course it's going to depend on the deals you find, but if I were doing it, I would simply run the numbers on each deal, and whichever produces the highest amount of cash flow I'd go with.

You'll also receive much more depreciation than in cash flow markets, which can be very helpful to you as a high income producer.

Essentially using the BRRRR strategy to produce cash that you use to buy more properties.  

Additionally, the property itself won't put stress on you as long as it is continually producing positive cash flow.