However, I can think of two good reasons why you would want to pay off your mortgage early: 1) Let's just assume it is a lump sum and you pay off your 30-year mortgage with a few years left - this may result in a nice ROI (like paying off remaining 20k would result in a 5k/year gain), and 2) you are close to retiring and are okay with putting your cash into your property and want to have lower monthly expenses.  

If I find a property in a strong market that makes $100 a month, put $15,000 into it to add value, hold for 3 years and sell for a $40,000 profit my total gain during that time is $42,400 not taking loan paydown, tax benefits and other potential income into account.If I find a rural property or a property in an smaller metro area that makes $250 a month, invest the same in repairs, hold for 3 years and only sell for a gain of $15,000 my total gain is only $21,000. 

My plan was to rent for a few years with an exit strategy to sell at $100/sf in 3-5yrs so this changes my anticipated gain from $50 down to $25.  

If doing a house flip and spitting profits 50/50 (money/rehab work), are the profits spit after subtracting capital gains tax or before? 

What are the benefits?

Putting it in an IRA gains you some advantage but not that much.

Hello,My first post, but I have greatly appreciated all the knowledge I have gained from bigger pockets, forums, podcast, etc in the six months since stumbling upon it.

I do believe we have different risk profiles but I also believe he can see my side as well as all of your opinions on the benefit of not being too conservative.

Maybe in November to give us some time to identify a place and gain some audience with a meetup post?  

For most people the ascent with be a gradual one and as you gain experience you will also gain momentum but like anything else you have to become a good manager of your business and need to make wise decision.