Beware: I am a newbie so what I might do here could also be a bad mistake but here are my thoughts...If I were in your shoes then I'd be thinking about some variables.  

They've been among my best earners, but I bought them well aware that I might have a hard time selling them and planned my life/portfolio accordingly.Since you've already registered a concern about exiting this property if I were in your shoes I'd perhaps reverse engineer from that concern to see if that is in fact the type of first property you want to buy and own.Now, buying us good, and having an exit problem is much better than not owning and not having any ownership problems so just make sure you want to own THIS one, but even if you don't, don't let it dissuade you from buying a deal this year.

I remember when I was in your shoes years ago.

Hopefully one day I can be successful enough to mentor those in my shoes now.

My partner does a lot of the sourcing, hes is currently - to be blunt - so busy hes forgetting to tie his shoes. 

@Vilson Nikollaj It sounded like your original statement was to "pay off the first" which means you simply cut them a check, and the first mtg no longer exists, foreclosure is canceled since there is no longer a first mtg....as opposed to "buying the 1st note" which would be paying the first, but in exchange the note is transferred/assigned to you, which means you step into their shoes, and finish the foreclosure.

Having been in their shoes, I did everything I could to be considerate of their work flow.  

I would rather have that than big closets... although.. shoes need a place too!

I have an interest in properties and hopefully one day I can be in your shoes doing something like this.  

If I were in your shoes, I'd sell the building and roll the funds into a multifamily asset (5+ units) that cash flows in considerable excess of your mortgage and expenses.