If I were in your shoes, I would check the title of the property and be sure it is free of liens or encumbrances, then I would take title through deed, then and only then, I would collect the instructions on making payments to the lender directly.I did one of these where I was able to negotiate the 2nd loan down to about 25% of the balance and paid them off and only had to refinance the first (when I wanted to) and still have this duplex years later.  

Remember, every experienced investor was once in your shoes.

Her telecommuting options are very limited, and she has no desire to leave her current job.Current Financial State:Saving $5k per month to put towards investments or extra debt paymentsHave around $110k in fixed-rated debt (all 6.5% interest or less)Have around $40k in variable-rate debt (currently at 7.95%)The Million 2.5 Thousand Dollar Per Month Question: If you were in my shoes, how would you reach my goal as quickly as possible?

Everyone who's a member of BP was once also in your shoes so rest assured you're in good company.

We are close to the Pacific Crest Trail, Mt Ashland for sking, there is snowboarding, cross shoeing, hiking. 

I wasn't even going to respond until I read your last post;  but if I was in your shoes, I think I would've gone mental on Andy by now.  

The search continues, so you are not alone in finding the perfect lender, if they exist.I try to put myself in the lenders shoes, and there ultimate goal is to maximize the rate of return on deployed capital. 

If any of you are or were in my shoes I would kindly appreciate any advice!

@Travis Bodnar,  your post has me smiling because I was in your shoes back in the day.... 

If I were in your shoes, and I have been!