We bought our first real property in 2011 after the birth of our first child, a condo overlooking a park in a rapidly gentrifying part of town. 

That might be interesting to know as some of these neighborhoods are rapidly appreciating, while others are flatlined or worse.

Assets hold value except in a rapidly decreasing market.  

Growing rapidly turning a success clothing line into the newest hottest fashion . 

Hey guys thank you for the rapid responses.

The rapid appreciation of NYC real estate of over 60% over the past decade.

Do any current investors have opinions on whether it's worth it to focus on paying off a property rapidly like this as opposed to merely taking it slow and gradually building equity?

The GRM was under 100, but the tenants turned over far too rapidly (higher average vacancy rate) and the property was older (higher maintenance cost), and the tenants damaged the property as well (yet higher maintenance cost, note broken window syndrome).  

Secured credit card, Secured Credit Loans, Go buy a car, pay it off rapidly (1 year), buy another, pay it off too. 

Mathematically, it has worked out for me because I bought at a good time in a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood.