It is hard to beat the safety of a prepaid mortgage on a real asset producing steady cash flows.  

Even more important this year, because the rates are going down, so you should generally get more mileage out of your deduction this year.Of course notice my "generally" safety valve.

Are there times when the tenant has to be told to vacate for their safety? 

I want tenants prioritizing rent over cable TV, or whatever else kind of stuff they want. 

However, I had some tenants that once the rent was late and there was no ongoing late fee accrual, they felt not need to prioritize rent. 

(A) A landlord who is a party to a rental agreement shall do all of the following:(1) Comply with the requirements of all applicable building, housing, health, and safety codes that materially affect health and safety;(2) Make all repairs and do whatever is reasonably necessary to put and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition;(3) Keep all common areas of the premises in a safe and sanitary condition;(4) Maintain in good and safe working order and condition all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, and air conditioning fixtures and appliances, and elevators, supplied or required to be supplied by the landlord;(5) When the landlord is a party to any rental agreements that cover four or more dwelling units in the same structure, provide and maintain appropriate receptacles for the removal of ashes, garbage, rubbish, and other waste incidental to the occupancy of a dwelling unit, and arrange for their removal;(6) Supply running water, reasonable amounts of hot water, and reasonable heat at all times, except where the building that includes the dwelling unit is not required by law to be equipped for that purpose, or the dwelling unit is so constructed that heat or hot water is generated by an installation within the exclusive control of the tenant and supplied by a direct public utility connection;(7) Not abuse the right of access conferred by division (B) of section 5321.05 of the Revised Code;(8) Except in the case of emergency or if it is impracticable to do so, give the tenant reasonable notice of the landlord's intent to enter and enter only at reasonable times.

For example a leaking roof repair may be necessary for health & safety, however upgrading to granite counters may not be.If the estate passes on to heir, they may “own” the property & may have the right to redeem if it still within redemption period.

Good insurance and an entity along with operating your business in the proper manner and not acting in any negligent manner will insure your liability safety.

Perhaps if one note had a lower security interest or safety margin it could command a higher rate in the swap.

I was thinking of storing electronic versions on Crashplan or one of the the other backup services, and putting the originals in a safety deposit box.I was wondering how other people handle this situation?