I'm reaching out to Baselane's leadership to put some sense in them about good banking practices and honoring legally bound leases, that they ended by breaking through this action.

There will be stuff like this that activates your "spidey sense". 

This setup alone feels like a solid foundation for financial freedom.Here’s my dilemma:While I understand that my mortgage interest rate is very low (2.8%) and there are tax benefits to carrying the debt, I’m wondering if it might make more sense to aggressively pay off the loan.

It makes sense to me but I foresee that to be a contentious point, even more if they end up not getting the rental.Thank you in advance!

I really hate the city because of taxes and water bills but the charming neighborhoods with a strong sense of community seem to be Lauraville, Beverly, Hamilton and Franklintown.

This could make sense if you do't qualify traditionally, AND you plan on refinancing again within a year or so. 

They will see a large pipeline of local deals, and they will buy some as rentals, flip others, and flip the contract (wholesale) a handful where it makes sense.

But if you want to free up resources for other opportunities or simplify things, selling might make more sense.

Gotcha that makes a lot of sense. 

Marcus & Millichap bullishly forecasts continued increase in rents due to stronger demand and higher incomes.