Get a signed bill of sale including the furniture at closing for tax depreciation.Communication is key! 

. - 30 year fixed terms - Usually have a Prepayment Penalty from 1-5 years, although you can price out a 0 PPP for a higher rate or fee- Minimum Credit score is 650 usually, although you could do a lower LTV loan at 620. 

Which you want to lower?

As far as flying (tax deductible too) You can do that and if it's in the states the total trip shouldn't cost you more than $2000 all in with lodging. 

We owe $154k on the property and the interest rate is 4.25%, the monthly mortgage is $1050 with taxes and insurance.

You filed two full year tax cycles and the numbers are similar (no greater variant than 1%) they maybe yes.Generally depreciation is added back as income BUT only the 40% portion you own not all of it.

I had constant issues with the local government and the taxes were absurd.

Medford also just voted to increase property taxes which is another reason to act. 

Balancing that with wanting to do something to maintain affordable housing for those in mid to lower income brackets.  

Conversely, if new houses are being built frequently, older properties may struggle to maintain their value.Property taxes also play a significant role.