Except for the original loan from 2018, I put zero in Box 2, and while that what was advised originally in this post, not sure that matches what shows in the tax instructions from the IRS. Except for the original loan I took in 2018, the other 4 1098's were for refinances and transfers, which seem to me to match the second two scenarios listed in the instructions respectively.
Box 2. Outstanding Mortgage Principal
Enter the amount of outstanding principal on the mortgage as of January 1, 2019. If you originated the mortgage in 2019, enter the mortgage principal as of the date of origination. If you acquired the mortgage in 2019, enter the outstanding mortgage principal as of the date of acquisition.
