This isn't uncommon in a multiple offer scenario. 

At least not up front--it's not uncommon once you lock rate, which is typically a couple of days before closing.

If there are two members, such as your wife being the other, not at all uncommon among landlords, you are SOL and can't pro se. 

Not uncommon.

Sure it could have some surprises, but a building like this is not uncommon to find in upstate new york.

What you can charge depends on what your local market can bear; $1000 higher deposit isn't uncommon in our area.In my mind renters insurance comes into play if the pet injures someone, not for property damage.Damage by tenants, children, or pets is the roll of the dice. 

You can have a 25-year or 30-year amortization with only a 5-year term.Mortgages where term and amortization are the same are relatively uncommon - outside of U.S.A. mortgage financing.

EZ,it's not uncommon for banks to hold on to the funds from large check deposits up 2 weeks to make sure that the check issuer has not put stop order on the check within this time period.

It is not at all uncommon for "friendly" neighbors to move a fenceline, or pour a driveway, or build a wall for their mutual convenience.

Even now, however, with double digit appreciation over the last two years, I mostly see homes selling for at or 1-2% over list price, which is quite reasonable when you compare it to some seller markets like Calif where 5, 10, 20% or more over asking is not uncommon at all - although I think that has even slowed down in Cali. 40-48% of all sales are now cash, so I don't see mortgage rates rising affecting all investors.