My acquaintances are willing to subsidize the remainder of the downpayment, which, with closing costs, would entail them contributing ~$28,500.

Seller is not, however, precluded from asserting any other legal or equitable remedy, which may be available to enforce this agreement.3.

If you happen to disagree with my assertions, but you haven't owned property for more than 2 or 3 years, perhaps you will come around closer to my thinking in a few years.Condos have been mentioned for their more stable OpEx.

Those seem to usually entail your basic upkeep for a property i.e. clogged toilets, landscaping, snow removal etc.

I know you are talking about a live in flip, but dont forget what it entails.

Sure, you can list too and get that commission money, but with all the work that entails, you may want to skip that part.

I am always willing to work with Agents/ Brokers but now I will have to tread softly now that I know what it entails.

however, these are not small, or light, or without the possibility of breaking. they have moving parts, delicate electronics, tubes carrying liquid, etc that could all break during shipping. and while you may be able to return it, how long and how much hassle is that going to entail? 

Some things you want to learn/consider before heading down this path:ensure that you and your wife are both on-board with the idea {of watching someone live in your old home} and the time commitment it may entail (turnover between tenants, fixing items that break);ensure that the house is in an area conducive to rentals (good schools, nearby to employers, shopping, etc ... all the things you probably considered when you purchased it) and find out what the rental rates are like in the area for comparable houses;once you know your potential revenue (be conservative in estimating) ensure you can afford to operate the business given the potential revenue stream ... and ensure you can carry the house if it sits vacant for a few months;read-up on the Landlord - Tenancy law in your location ... including Fair Housing requirements;make certain you learn how to thoroughly screen tenant candidates (it's much easier and cheaper to avoid a bad tenant than get rid of one).  

Nathan G.I disagree with your assertion that people are blowing this out of proportion.