Most importantly, choose a market that aligns with your goals!

Which ever home you choose as the main home it will be a tax deduction so it should work out in the long run.Another thing to consider is having two primary homes does not offer a great Schedule E option where you can have the bigger tax shelter. 

When you choose a living situation with other people above, below or beside you that share walls, especially an older building, you should not be surprised that you may hear babies cry, toilets flush, alarm clocks, phone calls, etc.

Your brother-in-law’s 10% ownership won’t affect your ability to claim this exclusion on your portion.Unfortunately, the option to roll proceeds into another property (like a 1031 exchange) only applies to investment properties, not personal residences.You’re likely eligible for the exclusion, but I recommend confirming with a Tennessee tax professional for any specific state tax issues and to verify your status with overseas residency.Let me know if you need more guidance on this or related financing!

Since you’ve already gained experience with partnerships and deal structuring, those skills will serve you well in any path you choose.

I have a meeting with him scheduled this week, if I choose to go forward with the program I'll update here. 

For example we write exclusive use of the rental property includes use on two sides to the tree line, on one side to the rock wall and to the front curb. 

Capital gain can be avoided by using sec 121 home exclusion (upto certain limit).

I would choose a cash flowing market that will allow you to do that.

Not choosing to do something because you don’t want someone to be paid makes no sense (cutting off ones’s nose to spite one’s face).