My goal right now for my first property is to have a house hack closer to work.

Howdy @Bill ParkerThe whole purpose of establishing investment goals and criteria are to help you stay focused and not go down a path that you may regret later.  

I would suggest that you also become clear on your goals with your husband together.

What are your goals?

The absolute lowest income tax strategy isn't always the best for the taxpayer.Regardless of the path chosen, OP should definitely consult a pro who can examine facts and circumstances, as well as goals.

Just want to make sure they will support you in achieving your goals. - Dave 

It's my goal in business to limit my unknowns, but it does happen. 

My goal is to acquire as many houses as possible and become a mini bank.

. - Long term goal would be to sell down the line so would hate to have the tenants trash the hardwood. 

The goal with paying it off would be to jump the mental hurdle of owning a property free and clear, start an LLC and transfer the title into that LLC, and then to have a property that we can HELOC against in order to have the flexibility to make cash offers so that we can begin making LLC purchases more easily rather than titling in our own names.I'm certain that plenty here would advise to continue rolling the money into new properties, rather than to pay one down, since owning the house free and clear would provide about half the cash flow that we could get from down payments on two new properties, however my wife (in particular) and I both like the idea of simply owning one property outright and then using the above strategy moving forward.