It's true you get a tax deduction for your mortgage, but you also pay taxes on whatever else you decide to do with that money.I would list all of your known investment opportunities, what you think the after tax returns would be, and a risk level 1-5.If paying the mortgage is a clear standout on that list on a risk/reward basis, I would spread out the $60k over a period of time and apply it to principal.You might have other goals like cashflow or reducing risk which might weight towards paydown also.

You need to start by asking the seller what their true financial needs are out of the deal.

We don’t know what transpired and if any of this is even true.

This just isn't true.

I would strongly advise against it unless they are a true handyman, carpenter, plumber, electrician, etc.

True.

The reverse is also true if you have under improved the property. 

That's not true in all cities, effectively putting you out of business if the city doesn't allow non-hosted stays. 

Drove by the California Green Line stop yesterday and the houses look beautiful but so much news out of E.

Truthfully, we're slammed with investors that want to make our dreams come true by lowballing deals we list.