Does anyone know the best (and most economical) way to mitigate this noise WITHOUT putting in a carpet upstairs? 

So much to learn from your story as I am also married and have a new little member of the family coming soo (not too excited about stepping into a minivan :) You got Great energy.

Worse, what if there is a credit freeze due to economic conditions (e.g. 2009) and you can't get another loan at all?

Yes, it would be more economical to just have 2 bedroom houses, but you can score a grand slam every now and then with a big house that makes the higher cost worth it. 

For up to 12 months, and in some cases longer, life insurance companies can provide a firm commitment to borrowers that today’s interest rate will be the interest rate when they close, barring any substantial changes to the property and its economics.

It's a complicated topic, but there are 2 major economic factors that make them a super risky proposition. 

I am in the process of rehabbing a rental property and although this situation is currently moving along smoothly, I am at a dilemma if I should focus all of my energy in the rental property or should I also be looking for other deals?

I am in the process of rehabbing a rental property and although this situation is currently moving along smoothly, I am at a dilemma if I should focus all of my energy in the rental property or should I also be looking for other deals?

This is your time to be selfish - sacrifice play time now while you have the time and energy so you can be selfless in your 30s and on once you have a family. 5.

Disclaimer: My day to day income will be high enough for me to comfortably support the properties in any economic downturn, and I live well within my means.