I have received quotes/feedback from three contractors here I can share some information with you. 

It’s generally better to pay taxes, especially if it’s preferential LTCG treatment and make a sound investment with cash that remains than defer and make poor investment decisions. 

Depending how much of the neighborhood is a hot zone for renting rather buying, and which Property type is performing better than the other (meaning 1bd 1ba 2 floor renting out faster and much more consistently than a 2bd 1ba 1 floor), you can make your choice of those factors as well as other ones that impact your decision for what you wanna do with your investment.

You and your husband are definitely in the right place to get valuable information.

The information contained in this post is not to be relied upon.

Quote from @Brady Ascheman: Let's talk about this directly as a business decision.

The information contained in this post is not to be relied upon.

Two things I remember that probably don't happen today: -First property was a no-doc loan, technically low doc because you still had to provide information but with 30%+ down pretty much anything you wanted was yours.

First, they believe that subject to transactions somehow “trick” the lender by not informing the lender of the title transfer.  

Here are a few suggestions on how you can maximize the wealth of information available: Check out the blogs and podcasts, or take advantage of the search feature (magnifying glass).