Paying off some or all of your properties may not make you the most money but it reduces your risk.

My .02 is don't pay off the car at 2.99% when you can put your hard earned money to work at a higher return.

It sold for 1.6 million 2 years ago and on market now for 1.2, and reduced to 900k.

It was a great way to earn some passive income and performs a lot better than the mutual funds it has been sitting in for past 7 years.

Yup...you just need to keep increasing the down payment, thus reducing the mortgage payment til the self sufficiency test is met. 

Reasoning behind my answer, you will be able to accommodate more guests, possibly earning more income on a per guest basis & a washer and dryer in a bedroom will be out of place. 

I take the commissions I earn, then I buy real estate with it.But that is easier said than done.

Trying to invest while also living in California definitely presents some unique challenges primarily because the cost of living here is so high.Something that has worked for my wife and I being in the Bay Area was initially using an FHA loan to jump into the market and start earning equity.

You have plenty of assets to reduce risk. 

For me I would ask my PM and Contractor which have earned my trust.