That way there is always documentation of the amounts paid, clear transparency on how much went to principal and how much went to interest, and what the outstanding balance amount is should you want to pay it off before the term of the loan.

It is great for accounting functions and tax filing purposes, but many have stated it does not take into account principal and interest paid on loans and projects the true performance of an individual property on a report. 

We learned how to become short-term rental operators.I'm now an Airbnb Superhost and Premier Host on VRBO.Gross revenues tripled within four years.The property has more than doubled in value, and as of this writing, we have reduced the principal balance on the mortgage by 25%.Six years after I purchased this home, and because of subsequent short-term rental purchases, and I was able to leave the corporate world and my W-2 job for good Lessons learned?

Real estate you’ll get the appreciation, your $24k cash flow, but also you’ll have about $25k, however the terms are structured, or so in principal pay down per year.I’d be happy with the money sitting in the stock market but super stoked to have that money in real estate. 

.): $37,000Loan amount (80% LTV): $110,400Interest rate: 3.625%Monthly payment (principal, interest, taxes, insurance): $643Monthly rent (gross income): $1350Property management: 8% ($108)Vacancy: 5% ($67.5)Maintenance: 5% ($67.5)CapEx: 5% ($67.5)Monthly cashflow (net income after all expenses and reserves): $366Annual income (net): $4400Principal paydown: $2200

.): $40,000Loan amount (80% LTV): $140,120Interest rate: 4.875%Monthly payment (principal, interest, taxes, insurance): $1013Monthly rent (gross income): $1795Property management: 7% ($125)Vacancy: 5% ($90)Maintenance: 5% ($90)CapEx: 5% ($90)Monthly cashflow (net income after all expenses and reserves): $387Annual income (net): $4640Principal paydown: $2100

The win is not only cash flow but rents have been increasing 10%+ a year and should average 3%+ or more per year as well as they are paying down your principal on your mortgage. 

Small multis are rare here - South Brazoria County - where I live for work/business so it wouldn't really work for my principal residence, but I know I could find something further away as a non-primary investment.

Why are we not paying the principal portion of the loan.

This would allow you to tap equity in the property AND cashflow while it is appreciating or while you are paying down the principal balance of the loan.