I would take a slightly lower return for a more passive investment.  3) the amount of riskI could take the money you would use to pay down your mortgage and place it in something very passive and somewhat low risk such as the S&P 500 long term (14 years is long term) and achieve far greater return (historically probably double) than what you will save by paying down a conventional home loan. 

Although I'm not afraid of taking risks (I do run into burning buildings, after all), they're usually taken with a lot of education, experience, and forethought.I do have a friend in the fire department who has been successful with wholesaling, flipping, and I believe rentals, too, in the Baltimore region. 

You need to have a solid financial foundation to be successful in real estate, so I would suggest working towards that goal, and then pursuing REI.

I have dreams of owning rental properties and wish to learn lots about achieving this dream.

It will also show how people can be just as successful no matter what way they analyze. 

I am in Louisiana and have found a property that was foreclosed from an unopened succession. 

I hope the best for your success and you continue to stay plugged in.

Much success!

Wishing you success.

I'm looking to slowly accumulate rental properties over the years to achieve a sizable cashflow and earn my time back on my own terms.