You state that you seek less drama, avoid damaging a relationship, dealing with tenant requests, all indicators of some lack of intestinal fortitude to operate your business.

I can't imagine working a job I hate and still having the fortitude to press on when tenant or asset issues pop up. 

Your mortgage was almost certainly not compound interest, it was simple interest; I'm not even sure if compound interest mortgages are legal in any state in the US.I realize it's uncomfortable to have your world view challenged, and I applaud you for the financial fortitude to pay off your mortgage.

Its one thing to put your life on the line in the case of an emergency for family and friends yet its a totally different perspective to have the willingness and fortitude to do it in advance for strangers.  

THEN ALLOT OF TIME AND HARD HARD WORKLIKE ANY BUSINESS REAL ESTATE INVESTING REQUIRES KNOWLEDGE, INTELLIGENCE, IMAGINATION, DEDICATION, DEVOTION, FORTITUDE, PERSISTENCE, AND A LITTLE OR ALLOT OF LUCK  AS WELL AS ALLOT OF EFFORT AND YES SOONER OR LATER MONEY AND ENOUGH MONEY OTHERWISE YOU JUST ARE NOT GOING TO LAST. 

Mental fortitude is key.

congrats on your fortitude.