Canada has just mandated that 100% of all cars sold be electric by 2035 and California I'm sure will follow with new urgency as Global warming has hit a tipping point.

There are a number of reasons that people sell properties off market and the chief among these are financial urgency and/or problems with the property. 

That way you are constantly moving forward with a positive sense of urgency to your goal.

If the interest rate is low there may not be an urgency to pay them off.

A sense of urgency: People aren’t browsing Zillow to pass a slow day at work—they want to rent right now, crowding the market with high-intent customers.

Seems to be a greater sense of urgency for repairs when that is the case.

You're totally right that if I find myself carrying cc balances, it would stress me out and I'd feel that much more of an urgency to see the property sell for a price that would allow me to completely pay those off in full.You're also right about how stressed and distracted I'd be if I'm back to a 9-5 with a rehab going on and I'm not there to make sure time isn't being wasted.

So, I am not in urgency for a PM at this moment.

Another benefit of getting the 2.99% interest rate is that we no longer feel a big sense of urgency to pay the properties off, as the monthly principal and interest we pay is so low that it's not a huge benefit to have the properties paid off. 

Do your DILIGENCE and use their "urgency" as a negotiating lever- If the seller requests to move-out after the closing date, be sure to hold half of their profits with the closing attorney to ensure they move out on the agreed upon date- Visit the home frequently.