I think I've bought 10 houses (primaries and investments), and I've had that same "Oh crap, my chest hurts, why did I think this was a good idea?"

It's 40+ minutes from either one to JC and people who stay out at the lake are a different group than would stay in JC for events there. 

Post a few more photos of the different rooms so we can see the general feel of the place.

Some times our experiences differ; other times our experiences are similar but we draw different conclusions.

This would also allow me to keep my primary at a low rate loan. 

70% rule is very different on a $100,000 property vs a $1,000,000 property.

The tenants are currently in court with a title dispute so the house would have to be paid for cash only.I would like to convert it to a primary residence and turn the garden level into a separate two bedroom apartment for use as an in law suite.

I’d like to buy the place, renovate it, and then live in it for a few years as my primary while renting out the 2/1, and then ultimately selling or renting out the main house too. wondering what the best purchase strategy would be considering I don’t have the full purchase price in cash on hand?

I don't think 2025 will be a lot different then 2024 unless the economy changes.

There's no difference.