The time between the death of your grandparents and the recording of the deed showing your uncle's ownership is a glaring hole in title.  

Usually, you can get a good sense by simply walking through the home to see how they are living in it. 

I found this realtor by simply talking to lots of different realtors and requesting their assistance with my situation.

If the City makes a bad decision, they could drive the supply of rental units down which would exacerbate the housing problem by reducing supply and negatively impacting the quality of housing as housing providers will simply leave Pomona and invest in Montclair, Ontario, Riverside, etc.

., several missing railing spindles, a fist-sized hole in one wall, and new carpet for a small section of the living room).

And, it may not simply exist.

You will need to simply "try and see" (I like to call it)    Try the service, see if you like it, apply for membership. 

If your rate is higher simply refinance it if rates drop and just save all those “aggressive payments” to then invest with. $170,000ish should be plenty to help you buy your first rental maybe less and then you can get started faster than the timeline of spending 1.5 years paying off your mortgage first.

Also, if you can do a renovation and pull money out to pay it off, I think that would be ideal.Another idea would be to utilize other people's money for the renovation and then pay them back whatever rate they desire through a simply interest note.How is the STR doing in the Smokies? 

"Never" pay off credit cards or it will hurt the scores even more simply pay them down under 30% usage or less.