You’ll want to make sure that the investments you make add to your goals and don’t become a distraction or a financial speed brake.  

They were poorly maintained, death traps, no brakes, waiting for a lawsuit.

Converted a garage into a bedroom & bathroom, added a below ground pool, ADU/mother in law suit, raised the overall construction C2, C3, C4.Just be careful on what you spend versus what you want to get back because most kitchens are like brake pads at some point it's just a required replacement.

I will still cash flow with a 8.5% but at a low 9's I would brake even. 

I have read multiple articles of people suggesting to pay the mortgage on the middle and end of the month by braking the monthly payment in two.

I don’t want them to move back in over night..I would have to start everything from scratch, regular eviction, etc. yes they broke in, yes they changed the locks ..so what ..this is their house for the last 10 yrs and police would probably see that as a civil matter at best. what brake in .."

I understand good vs bad, but I've wondered lately if I might need to tap the brakes for a bit.

The pandemic had me pumping the brakes for a moment, but will likely be signing up this month.

If you ever want to cuss like a sailor and brake your flat screen TV from throwing a fastball through it at the characters in the movie, then this is a must see!

Also while inflation may seem to help, If you can brake even after 5 years then you have lost a lot of money in "Inflation Adjusted" dollars.