Remember, you can put as little as 5% down on a house, duplex, triplex, or fourplex with a conventional loan.If I were you, I'd speak with a lender about your financial situation to understand what your budget actually is, then look for an inexpensive duplex.

Any advice or insight would be appreciated, with the focus on the current situation (I’m not looking to move somewhere else).

Here is the deal:I am in a rent to own situation for an investment property. 

I would say my situation is unique or special but I'm sure it is more common than I know.

Turns out the Listing Agent put tenants in herself.3) I found out 3 days before close that Comparable rents came back too low, despite the Listing Agent having put tenants in for higher rent (an interesting positive from that situation), but the Lender couldn't use her contracts. 

It depends on the situation and, if not required, the risk the landlord is willing to take.What income is counted for child support?

If the tenant has an OCCASIONAL and very TEMPORARY situation that causes them to be late on rent I will almost always waive the fee. 

Your Net Worth ROI calculation takes into account the appreciation, loan paydown, tax benefits, and the rent avoidance (the difference in what you pay towards your mortgage compared to your rental situation).

And how do you usually assess the level of risk in situations where the borrower might not have as much at stake?

I would definitely prefer equity over getting a salary for the property management, but am just not sure how my work would equate in this situation.