Moreover, it allows you to set the terms of the lease agreement according to your preferences, which can help prevent misunderstandings and disputes in the future. 

Consider that you could end up owning the property.)Vacant Premises: You don't want an eviction.

For me, what was talked about above is nowhere near close enough for me to judge or provide an opinion on someone as just because someone changes their name (we have done it several times for different entities) or someone could be co-gp or LP in a deal but not in the limelight) does not immediately set off my radar of "omg this person is not legit or a scam artist". 

Working on setting up my first home now...not there yet, though.

Consider hiring a Property Manager to manage out of state properties.

Sounds like a problem with setting expectations.

I considered sound proofing the ceiling of the unit below but I’m reading articles saying that it can be very pricey and it won’t make a major difference.

I asked them if they would consider that and they said no.  

In my opinion, an in person meetup > an online connection.You may want to consider making a connection here and meeting up for coffee or attending a real estate networking event.Best of luck!

Would you rather set it and forget it and not need to refi again or rather take advantage of low/no closing costs on this loan and plan to be more aggressive on your rate at the time of your refi?