Happy to jump on a call sometime and talk through these things and perhaps help narrow it down.

Think of it as s long term investment that will save you headaches down the road. 

Even thought we headed out at 11:15.

I am using the tax benefit along with the principal pay down and appreciation to offset.

Current Tenants- would some want to expand into units next to them, knocking down wall, etc.7. 

I'd be looking at multiple structures. we try to build below the average new build cost in our market in Columbus Ohio which is 515,000 last year and we target land 40-50k and urban core adjacent where we get higher price per square foot. we build for clients with margin around $190 a sq ft depending on multi or single. we can get that down in our triplex it's a little higher on our single family homes because of garages and limited economies of scale. hope that helps. idk Philly but if you show me the area and styles of homes I can give you some more insights. 

.- get into real estate with a lower rate and lesser percentage down payment.

But, if steady long term cashflow is a goal, with no management, one can always sell farm land on a low down private contract.

I live in the city and have a freakish map of it in my head that my wife is still shocked by when she gives me an address ("2100 block of _______Ave.?"

If you do have to move because of a job, you would be safest (in my opinion, i am not giving legal advice or financial advice), i would sell that property to ensure that you did not just purchase with the goal of moving out early and taking advantage of lower rates and lower down payments for purchasing your home as a primary residence.