don't think it's 100% a case of "never pay off any mortgage no matter what" no matter which thread you post on :)
Unlike some who espouse always having a mortgage, I completely agree with you, and always have. My point continues to be that one gets to FIRE faster by paying yourself first. Then, if you still desire to do so, pay the loan off in one fell swoop. Or, sell your highly appreciated (still mortgaged) home and buy another one for cash, which is what we did. Don't worry, we still have mortgages on our rentals ;-)
A related point: At the beginning of the FIRE journey, it can be almost impossible to imagine getting to $1M. But the mortgage comes due every month, it's typically the largest bill, and it seems to be impediment to the goal. What is harder to grok is that by investing those payments, you will get to that first million faster than you thought possible. The next million comes even faster and before you know it, you're posting on the "and Beyond" thread. It's the miracle of compound interest.
Yes - I think current MFJ Standard is now $29k but our mortgage interest from the two mortgages plus state tax should push us comfortably into itemizing for 2024. After a couple years, it'll likely dip right back below the standard deduction though!
This doesn't apply to you, neo, but it's worth pointing out in this discussion, as it particularly impacts folks in HCOLAs:
Per IRS pub 936 for 2023 - "You can deduct home mortgage interest on the first $750,000 ($375,000 if married filing separately) of indebtedness. However, higher limitations ($1 million ($500,000 if married filing separately)) apply if you are deducting mortgage interest from indebtedness incurred before December 16, 2017."