Do you think it would behoove us to pay the additional 2k up front, make this property cash flow roughly $125/month better, but forgo the potential benefit of having that tax deduction (to anyone who responds, I'm not very tax savvy, so please be gentle with your responses to this), or should we keep the mortgage insurance as this tax deduction might be beneficial.  

Your gentle prodding will get the job done. 

That alone is a clear indication that something is amiss.And honestly, I don't care what magical tweaks and twists someone makes to a flawed and inferior system.

I would suggest a kind, gentle talk, wth paper backup (for visiual learners sake) settinng boundaries.

Know this... it doesn't matter how desperate you try to win an argument or twist the mind of people on here... the fact doesn't change that these results are real, no matter how long it takes right?

If it is a good home (but not luxury) or low end, you can probably get away with "gently used" appliances but may not get warranties with them. 

I noticed the what kind of car threads are popular so I figured this was an interesting question and a twist on the what type of car do you drive type threads.This topic always interests me.

I also agree with Nathan as to your down payment, you can twist that as a down payment on the sale and have the seller bring the property up, paying you or your contractor under separate agreement or by an addendum, you want that value stated as it will influence any refinance should you be required to exit early.

For one thing there's the warm winters and gentle atmosphere that make all of Florida an alluring spot to claim property, however Jacksonville's charms go past that.

Gently pull out the temporary flooring and then peel away the top layer of underlayment from the dry mortar.