I am considering two options here: 1) Pay off the loans in full now. 2) Allow my money to continue earning interest in my high yield savings account until the moratorium ends, then pay them off in full.I have the following concern about waiting to pay: I expect my credit score will take a hit after I pay off the loans.

Trust me here; I started my real estate investing career buying $30,000 houses.  

I cannot give you advice on which route to go as I do not know your intentions for your career or real estate.

@Michael Haynes - issue is we’d be profiting $800k and I can only exclude $250k… Zero chance I’m paying that much capital gains tax for something I earned quite literally with my bare hands.I just got off the phone with 1031 intermediary and we might not be able to 1031 at all.  

Of course, if you owe no taxes because you invested funds from a self-directed IRA or don't earn enough to pay taxes, or the property will be sold within a year or two, a cost seg study is not going to be of value to you.

Shortly after the pandemic hit so my career took a total halt.

Spent the last 6 years in the education field, but now I am in the process of changing careers into real estate investing.I am currently looking for a Real Estate Agent in the San Antonio/Seguin area.

Many people get that designation, but you won’t be able to if you’re a high earning W-2 employee for the most part.So it will be hard to do that unless you are a qualified real estate professional, or your spouse is.

True, you will also get depreciation to reduce your tax bill on other earned income, and you will also get amortization (loan pay down) and possibly appreciation, but 6% is pretty meager. 

Flood openings, when done in accordance with FEMA rules will save you money but they must be certified by FEMA to earn mitigation credits.7) Prior Claim will not be considered until you have a loss after October 1 2021.