This is to avoid being flagged by the IRS computer for mismatch.Keep good paper trail in case you have to defend this deduction, as @Ned Carey pointed out.

The extra PMT is going to principle and the irs does not care that you are paying it off early.

From my experience, the IRS generally isn't looking for time cards or anything else like that. 

Good question @Konstantin KlitenikTechnically in the eyes of the IRS it is "earned equity" -- There is an impact on your balance sheet, but not your income statement since you can't spend this equity.

You would be able to shed any vibe of job hopping, dig in deeper to the client base and get known by colleagues as well as customers to build up your own rep so if you did go solo it would be more effective.

If you want to get some great practice talking to sellers hop on to Zillow, find some FSBOs and call those people.

How the IRS defines a principal residence: “If a taxpayer alternates between two properties, using each as a residence for successive periods of time, the property that the taxpayer uses a majority of the time during the year ordinarily will be considered the taxpayer’s principal residence.”

These have special rules associated with them but are usually respected by the IRS. 

For example, removing IRS liens require very specific steps that even experienced foreclosure attorneys mess up from time to time.

Here are a few other salient points to consider: (1) Find an accommodator ASAP. (2) ID Period: you have 45 days upon close of escrow of your downleg property to identify your upleg property or properties by sending a letter to the IRS (handled by your accommodator).