Now neither I or my mother need the extra income these properties would generate right now.

To me it is worth the few hundred extra to have someone come and test everything in the property and point out any issues that I might have missed.I admit though, I am new to all of this so am very much learning as I go as well.    

Maybe a week if it required a lot of work, if not just a few days to touch up paint, new occupancy permit, make w/e small repairs necessary, then move it.

So by paying the full amount to fund the 401k you end up with extra 18k of interest that is tax free in your retirement account compared to having the cash.

We can get 30/mo extra.

I would obviously like to get my tenants secured and locked up in writing as soon as possible but issue is I don't have formal land use permits as of yet nor have I started the process - all I know is that QSR/coffee shop/drive thrus are allowed according to the zoning code.

It might be $100 extra to file the deed change? 

When you raise rents each year starting out at lower rents you tend to still be the best priced in town.Conversely the higher priced rents the property tends to be extra special, or a new build with amenities,etc.

I am tempted to put that extra $200 back in directly toward the principal for the time being(I don't really want to extend my loan and slow how quickly I am paying it off).

It may sound nice to pay a 5% management fee but the extra fees can add up to be more than the other company that charges 10% with no add-on fees.