Would a formal written offer on official letterhead carry additional weight? 

That risk to hold becomes far more weighted, they'd have to sub 30 basis points AND out of cash flow(meaning no renter) to sell.

I think we will feel the full weight of the shut down by then.

Agents with this type of expertise are worth their weight in gold to an investor--especially when the investor is relatively new and inexperienced.

if traditional, you would need to have income to support two mortgages; if non traditional 10%-25% down payment depending on the program/your personal situation2) Familiarize yourself with landlord/tenant laws of your state, consult with attorney, weight pros and cons of keeping your home as investment, evaluate risks associating with tenants not paying rents; put together a maintenance crew/team or look into hiring property managers..3) If you were to sell and then buy in NJ - in the ideal world where and what kind of property you would want to purchase?

Principle pay down, appreciation (forced and natural) and tax write offs carry much more weight long term. 

Next, I would find a respected restoration company that specializes in working on insurance claims to come out and evaluate your roof as their opinion will carry more weight than Joe the one man roofing company and will provide free inspections. 

@Melanie Stephens,One lesson I've learned, is your maintenance/handyman is worth their weight in gold as they are your eyes and ears.   

It will be tough to find anything on the low side, like FHA, the upside is that you have to weight the cost of the PMI, you may not need the FHA.

Your portfolio should be weighted towards the invetments you know best.