What is the speed of the internet, is it hot water (international property holders), is it AC.These basic clear descriptive items are great because if the price is fair and it clearly states the benefits.

Additionally I would add a benefit for you is that you're in great area to be able to invest locally and can invest in your own back yard as they say.

Do you guys see the benefit outperform the 2~3k price difference? 

I wouldn't suggest you buy a single-family home to live in because the additional cost outweighs the benefits.

If you plan to own real estate for a lifetime, this can be a huge benefit to your heirs. 

And I feel the ideal portfolio can benefit from the diversification of both.I feel directly owned properties are great because they give me maximum control and the ability to tweak them exactly how I want.

And quite frankly, there might not be a benefit of refinancing for a while.  

Getting the federal return correct is the most important and with owning two properties, there could be some positive tax benefits.

Many benefits to doing so. 2) If you are going to invest outside your area, the one thing I rarely see mentioned here is simply the "investment landscape".

The operator may trade off the longer term benefits to keep a high quality tenant in place.