Any contract or suggestion they give seems overpriced, whereas contracts/work I've found seems to be much more reasonable. 

The people the seller should have this discussion with is the title company and or legal counsel.  

In person is better than over the phone if possible, as I have been told by annoyed or lazy clerks "NO STR allowed" as that was the easy button to get me off the phone, or if they are anti STR. 

Can I post an email address or phone number# 

If you have a high 7 rate then it might be beneficial in the long run to pay it down if you don't want to put it in a 4% savings account or CD.  

I'd also worry about the showings and if someone steals something from the tenants (or the tenants claim something is missing).Focus on getting the most you can for the property.

What type of properties are you looking to BRRRR, SF, 2-4 MF, or 5+ MF?

How do I access a portion of that equity to fund the purchase of 1-2 more MFR properties in more affordable markets like OH, IN, MI, PA, TN, or AL?

If necessary to go through city or not..

Looking to find duplex or something along those lines to reside in and then eventually move upward.