I'd encourage you to read up here and ask your questions publicly.  

I also make friends with the neighbors and encourage them to call me if there is anything out of the ordinary.

Thanks for the info, even though it's not encouraging. 

Any advice on where to go/what to do is encouraged! 

Read this the other day regarding Donald Trumps recent executive order on examining the affects of regulatory barriers at the Federal, State, local levels on the availability and development of affordable housing. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/executive-order-establishing-white-house-council-eliminating-regulatory-barriers-affordable-housing/The order states that the council endeavors to encourage State, local, and tribal governments to reduce regulatory barriers to the development of affordable housing.Which in turn, aims to increase the supply of affordable housing.I asked myself what effect will the have on the REI space and my first thought was that the increase in supply will cause rent and values to slow down or possibly even stagnate all together. 

I would just encourage you in your goal to pay it off early, and also challenge you to pay them off entirely in 24 months (4k per month).

My grandfather is a big property owner in my area and he encouraged it.

If you do, I would encourage you to work hard at finding the money...

The important factor is that all parties to the transaction are notified.If you want your 1031 to remain anonymous until at closing when the other party has no opportunity to leverage your 1031 against you then I would encourage you to simply make your contracts assignable. 

I encourage you that you can do both, increase passive income AND live a comfortable life.