I would like to know the prons and cons of paying off the mortgage faster to be honest i do hate the fact that my mortgage rate is high almost 7%.  

@Ryan Luby- we will be at the New Haven meet up later today! 

Tough for anyone to beat that in residential RE (<5 units).  

Or maybe you fill the unit a month faster and it pays for itself.

Quote from @Glen Wiley: I am not a big fan of those rules - I think they are too simplistic.What will your interest rate be? At

My plan is to possibly use it before the spring on a down payment, but then quickly pay it off (I'll have enough for 20% DP in spring but am trying to beat the buyer rush for that time of year).

Of course growth is always great, but for your goals I think sticking to what you have, paying off faster is best.

There seems to be an interesting investment case for Portugal currently and by building a supportive network of investors we will be able to discuss opportunities and build our experience faster than if we go it aloneWhen I arrive in March I will be focusing on learning the market and seeing which strategies will work for me. 

Even though the law does not require you to be at the first hearing you should be there.

You may be excellent at what you do and beat the national average in every category of your expertise.