@Robert Ellis Since you mentioned panels, have you looked into SIPs at all for your builds? 

I may be misremembering this next part, but I recall one of the RTR podcast episodes where he mentions that RTR keeps all the “10’s” and gives the “9’s, 8’s, and 7’s” to the customers.

You didn't mention the higher Florida insurance costs. 

As you mentioned, the benefit to paying it off is the peace of mind and simplicity. 

As someone mentioned, the only thing passive about real estate investing is the tax treatment. 

.- You mentioned this sale is tax free 121 exclusion, which is great, and seems like a solid start to your goal.- The townhouse you're moving into is currently a rental, but you plan to live there two years for the 121 exclusion.

-In speaking with investors, others have experienced some of the same issues mentioned throughout. 

There is a certain entitlement mentality and a long-term frustration mindset where they often times will mention repairs previous owners "promised" to make, etc. 

Thanks, @River Sava , for the mention!

$540 is not unreasonable for a home of that size and the items you mention.