My idea is that we rent our current home while maintaining the management of the pool and lawn so the tenant does not have to worry about the added cost, but maybe adjust our rent to account a bit for that amenity, and then buy another property that we will live in for a bit in order to update and get ready for rental as well. 

The money is withdrawn from the TSP and deposited right in your bank account. 

I went to the bank where I have my personal and business checking accounts.

The property delivers an 8-10% annual cash on cash return and has ridden the recent market upswing and appreciated about 25-30% in value since purchase (March 2016). 

Be sure your accountant is aware of that when you do your taxes.  

Account Closed Likewise!

Another reason is because you can get rid of your escrow account and on your credit it’ll show a cheaper mortgage payment which helps with your DTI.

I primarily take care of the John Deere accounts since I'm a former JD employee and understand how they work.

Every month I carry cash to my bank branch to pay down the balance of my mortgage, I've been doing it in the last 6 months, because I happened to have cash.I know if I do the same thing to my checking account, it could be flagged to the IRS as "structuring" or "smurfing", but does that apply to mortgage too?

Should I get a separate bank account, is there an application, pick the money up or have them deposit it to an account??