.- If you have limited reserves or funds to invest and need a full-time job, that is different. 

Income first, lifestyle second.  

Condos for instance will charge HOA fees, limiting your net cash-flow.A PM will run 14-16%+ as they charge a month's rent to place a tenant, take an extra month to turn a unit and charge you premiums and overrides for the work.  

That will protect you (to a limit) if you are ever sued.  

Too many might raise a read flag, but a business meal for a business purpose is not limited to they type of business relationship.

My eventual plan once I have enough capital raised for another downpayment would be to get another place and would only paydown the mortgage if the lenders say my debt to income ratio is too high.Your strategy should depend on your risk tolerance - everyone will have a different limit for the amount of risk to reward they are willing to take on.

I own a successful service business that I run with my wife and we live a pretty frugal lifestyle. 

Also income from the other units would be considered.Given what you are saying, you are likely working with limited income, so rate is going to be critical for you.

Something like Simplisafe would work out well here because you could keep it on a shelf and just put it in when someone asked (and charge accordingly).

They are going to push you to every limit to find your weaknesses.