Aim for a credit score of 680+ for better refinance options.

Okay, I think co-signing could potentially be an option in the future.

Therefore, your financial freedom hinges on new companies continuously moving into the city, creating replacement jobs.Companies have many options when selecting a location to set up operations.

Hi David, If building long-term equity and scaling quickly are priorities, then option 2 aligns better for you. 

Instead, roll the funds into an IRA or Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) to keep them tax-deferred and open up flexible investment options, including real estate.

Seller will be taking a 30k+ loss with this route.325k with 50K down to seller, 3 years of payments $1600/month, and a balloon payment of 215k at the end of 3 years.Benefits to me: (1) 10k less downpayment, (2) with the conventional route, the loan would be at 228k after 3 years of payments, so I will gain additional equity with the 2nd option since I will owe 215k (presumably I will have to refinance at that time).Benefit to seller: she gets over asking price, 50K upfront and $300/month of cash flow.Does this offer and structure sound reasonable?

Yes, this is an unsexy option and it doesn't offer the same tax benefits, but you would benefit from reduced volatility (so long as you don't obsess over fluctuating stock prices), greater liquidity, stronger management teams and superior assets.

I have considered turnkey properties as an option

Today I had a heater issue and snow company that was late handling commercial before residential so we ended up clearing it.Open to each option.

Fishtown and Point Breeze are strong options but can be pricey.