Are there other, more cost-effective alternatives to gain similar support and knowledge?

While under contract, we perform due diligence and there will be some soft costs incurred. 

Those situations go bad more often than not, costing you money and the friendship.

If you have a good FICO, a decent down payment and closing costs, go ahead an do the first one. 

However, one nice thing about this community is a one-time cost and it doesn't require additional payments.

Refinancing has more nuances than it seems, and so do closing costs.

Eastmoor and whitehall are good too because of newer home ages after 1940 where you don't have knob and tube wiring and some of the other issues. don't be afraid to look at new construction or ground up new builds closer to downtown. rentals are overpriced in these areas but build costs are low and it can be a good strategy 

And, capitalism works to lower housing prices when this process is allowed to go into effect. 

While living in a high-cost area can present challenges, it also opens doors to creative strategies, like investing out of state or leveraging partnerships.

It’s definitely smart to evaluate the tax and cost implications of your funding options.