Whether it is better to pay down the loan or invest the funds elsewhere depends on whether one can generate a higher (risk-adjusted) return than the interest rate on the loan.

Add in that money goes out many months before any generated income, the worse financing options versus purchase financing, the detraction of something (even if it is just yard space) from the primary unit, the work involved even hands off is at least as high as a BRRRR but a brrrr can provide an infinite return. 

But if you would like to generate a ton more cash flow, then leverage your way to generational wealth with all that equity you have sitting there doing nothing for you.

But real estate is a better long term wealth generator.

Here's an easy answer for you: move into the house and rent out the rooms to generate cashflow.

Absolute wealth of advice and information that this has post has generated.

I have a few credits to spare :) PM me the address and the property details and I'll generate it for you.

We generate the leads and manager would need to convert, estimate and see it to close.  

I'm active duty Air Force, a local real estate agent, and a third-generation real estate investor.Maybe we can jump on a call with your husband or meet up to discuss your situation in greater detail.I wish you all the best.

One was because the lights had gone out on the main floor, and "it's too dark right now to go down to the basement to check the generator."