Also benefit from the tax advantages, improvements costs, asset protection, and start depreciation now?

If and when the new construction starts improve, the market will change.

I've been wonderfully distracted, but have started to refocus:  I've registered for real estate sales classes next month, and look forward to connecting with new people on here.I feel like I'm all over the place because now that we've settled into our little house, made a number of improvements to it, we're in a position where we have over $150k in equity in the house, and real estate investing is slowly coming back into focus for me.  2 years ago, primarily out of frustration for not being able to find a primary residence, I stumbled onto Bigger Pockets and found myself looking at distressed properties and making offers on houses to flip... until I found a residence suitable for my family.  

This is for the construction, improvement or purchase of rental housing for low-income families, the elderly and disabled individuals.

Yes, paying off credit debt will generally improve one's credit score.

You will need one once you want to file for construction.White Box: The interior condition of either a new or existing building or suite in which the improvements generally consist of heating/cooling with delivery systems, lighting, electrical switches and outlets, lavatories, a finished ceiling, walls that are prepped for painting, and a concrete slab floor.

I've had this come up and had to list improvements done as well.

To their credit, a I noticed a few improvements had made on their dime (new exterior lights were installed and  motion sensored).

I have worked with him as much as possible, but his situation is not changing and his ability to pay is not improving.

I thought I might switch to paying off the properties I have (at least until the market improves some.)