We will return the favor for our kids and hope they find good careers.

Not all investors share the same goal.If it's strictly positive cash flow, you're going to have a tough time meeting that goal while living in one of the units these days in Belmont Shore.Under the current economic decisions, if you're going to live in one of the units, a more realistic goal might be to subsidize your mortgage with the other two incomes to bring your mortgage payment down, build equity, ride the market appreciation, force some appreciation of your own, refinance when rates are in your favor to crush the mortgage payment down, and keep positive cash flow for a long-term goal.Belmont Shore is a nice area where homes hold their value well and enjoy good appreciation as well as strong rents and in general, the type of renters landlords are looking for.Belmont Shore is also a good area for short-term rentals and you may want to consider renting one unit as an LTR and the other as an STR.Ultimately, your situation is going to dictate whether this triplex is a good investment for you and your husband but as a Long Beach resident, I know that Belmont Shore is an area that people aspire to buy a home in.

But I'm also of afraid of missing out on a good opportunity to get a townhome in a expensive popular area at the price point and interest rate I find to be favorable. 

This trend is expected to persist, driven by Birmingham's affordability and favorable living conditions.

Additionally, the house will likely appraise very favorably after as well with a cash out refi a big possibility Thoughts?

First of all I didn't ask to do business with you and didn't ask anyone for a favor. 

Refinanced after seasoning period with forced appreciation as well as more favorable comps once we arrived in the spring home buying season vs winter selling (when purchased) How did you add value to the deal?

Also how do you set up contracts that are in your favor, such as being able to get referral fees that are more your in your favor?

If the buyer's strategy is to hold long term, and they are getting favorable interest or payment terms, and the value supports, offering more than ask isn't necessarily a bad thing for them.

Calling notes due is unlikely to happen in today's market, but the market could change next year and create a situation where it is in the bank's favor.