Only trick to this would be if you do not own your current primary residence and you do not have a current housing payment, then no rental income from either the upcoming subject property or investment property can be utilized towards qualifying.

That protects you from having to sell to  low.

Cat odor is far more problematic than a small dog, but I would check landlord references to confirm how they've maintained their last residence.

Switzerland does impose some restrictions on foreign and non-residents buying property but you can still buy and several members of my family actually own property there.

Make sure you have filed for Homestead exemption at the very least (this can only be done if you the home is your primary residence, not an investment home).

If you are just looking for principal protection assets you can do a lot better than empty houses, if that's what you are doing. 

They have 3-4 residents and someone is there at all times caring for those residents 24/7. 

But i am very happy with the downside protection it provides.

Some insurance companies offer policies specifically designed for owner-occupied multifamily properties, so it’s worth asking about that option.The key is ensuring both your personal residence and the rental unit are adequately covered.

The tenants are currently in court with a title dispute so the house would have to be paid for cash only.I would like to convert it to a primary residence and turn the garden level into a separate two bedroom apartment for use as an in law suite.