@Dillon Clark-don't pay extra down on your mortgage-don't use a HELOC-save up as much as you can-hope this helps

This allows entry without a key, and allows me to change the lock as needed if I don't want someone in there.As an agent, I provide contacts to my clients who will do these things, and occasionally I will do favors for past clients who need someone to open the door or quickly supervise an appointment; of course not all agents will do this or for free.  

Do I rip the bandaid off and get Ethan Allen or Bassett?

I would check the find real estate agents link up at the top.

This is a debt society and debt is money. 

The triplex is much more popular with traveling work crews for specialists in the trades and insurance relocations, so if we were to do it again, I would probably worry less about making each room it's own rentable space and save a little bit of those costs. 

How much should you hold in reserve?

You might save a full percent just doing that and you have tons of money you didn’t pay in points.

City won't let you rent out basement, but owner can live in basement.It may suck for 1-2 years, but then you'll have gained so much knowledge you can do better on the next one!

1 Checking and 1 savings account is all you need.