[fintstone]

While 62 is not old by any means, most folks are less able to invest/build after they retire and resort to safer returns. Plus, you pass up on 10 years of income/equity/paying down of principle if a loan. Interest rates will probably never be lower. We each know the level of risk we find acceptable, but I would personally try to find a way to do all 10 now if I was sure of rental viability. Personally, I would also try to do long term rentals to retirees (at least until you retire and have more time to manage them). Just much easier/less hands on...even though return might be lower. You are probably close enough to Knoxville to do either.