Yes you are borrowing it, but if the asset can support it, wouldn't you rather have an investment with no cash investment making positive cash flow vs. an asset that has your money tied up making a slightly higher cash flow?

Having a time share, even a free one, is not free and ties you down. 

That would be my choice if I exited out of Indiana.I'm not a huge fan of paying cash for properties since you're tying up a large amount on one property.

You still make some decisions, can exit again at will again using the 1031 rather than being tied up for 7-10. 

Was the price you were paying somehow tied to the mortgage payoff?

Fast solutions have slow problems, tie yourself up in getting cute and the reward is you get a property and risk is you lose it all.

This could cover your mortgage and let you sell when the market is stronger.

Beginning to pay down properties more aggressively will help get to not only having more income coming thru each month; but also help me when I am ready to maybe buy more down the line with less mortgages tied to my name?   

I had the foundation cracks repaired and tied together with engineering plans and permits, and also had to completely redo the pool and fix the cracks, and recompact the entire rear yard with geological engineering and inspections.

By maximizing net operating income now, you are positioning yourself for a stronger refinance when rates drop​.Looking Ahead: The 2026-2027 OpportunityIn my view, 2026-2027 is shaping up to be a critical period for the real estate market.