Mixed use condo purchase questions

[K S.]

Greetings,

I'm was looking for a condo and came across a double unit under a single parcel with the ground floor unit leased to a non franchised restaurant. I have no experience with mixed use condos so after a few minutes of cramming, I included some questions for those that do have experience and can share their experience pros and cons.

1) I can't get a conventional FNMA loan so what other financing gotchas like the down and interest rates?

2) I'm assuming a different type of appraisal must be ordered and the other lending requirements?

3) I'm assuming the insurance is higher when there's a kitchen?

4) Average vacancy rate in a busy downtown area?

6) Does retail closely follow the $/sqft rates as the residential above it?

And generally what your thoughts are on your retail store dealings. Thanks in advance