Wish I had the market you guys have, things are pretty flat here. 

I originally thought this area would stay pretty flat during increases and when the market falls. 

If the area where it is located is all multi families or condos and your house would detract from or even out of character for the project and he’ll probably want to buy the house and maybe even tear it down depending on its value compared to the project as a whole. if it fits and there is sufficient road access to get to the back acreage then it would depend on the developer but likely there will be more return with multiple new units then keeping your house there.

You're already in a much better place than 99.9% of beginners, having already purchased a 4-flat.

What if the price does not drop, and going up gradually or stay flat the next 3 years? 

.- We prefer washable paint to flat for rentals.  

I was thinking about having a room in the basement of our 5 plex with a washer and dryer. We would have a lock on the door and charge a monthly fee of maybe 30.00 so that a tenant will have a key to the room. Is this ...

Pre-Payment Penalty: If they have one, is it a flat penalty or does it have step down component like 6% of loan amount if paid off in year 1 / 5% if paid of in year 2 / 4% if paid off in year 3 / 3% if paid off in year 4 or is there a loan yield maintenance fee if paid off early Use of Funds: What are the funds being used for?

So in one year I plan to start investing with my girlfriend into one single family home for us and a two-to-four flat.

Flat part of SC near 101.