It seems a great HVAC guy is really hard to find and worth his weight in gold in Florida. 

Alternatively, would it be better to continue purchasing new homes with each move (approximately every 3 years) to gradually build my portfolio?

You move to other venues gradually (mail outs are effective, but take much longer to get your return). 

It allows you to ease into being a landlord, gain experience managing tenants, do repairs and property maintenance without the pressure of a tight flip timeline and while you're getting comfortable as a landlord, you can gradually build your real estate team.

We are gradually dropping prices and in some cases remain as one of the few houses remaining in the market.Margins and occupancy percentages are higher than last year do to stronger area demand.

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.

Think, I have FULL WEIGHT of liability on my shoulders for ANYTHING my agent's do.

. $400 for a 2-day rental of an 11-yard dumpster might seem high, but it’s important to consider what’s included (delivery, pickup, disposal fees) and whether there are any weight limits.Alternative Options:Bagster Bags: These are large, disposable bags that you fill with debris and arrange for pickup.Junk Removal Services: Some companies specialize in hauling away specific types of debris.

would have to get a quote from an excavation company . depends on what the materials are for weight 

Most tenants won't leave over small, gradual rent increases.