We want to contribute to half of the mortgage and she will pay the other half (approx $400).

I've listened to over half of them so far-great info!

A half a million dollar start up is a huge step. 

If you truly believe that your appreciation is dropping in half then MAYBE it would be wise to incur ALL the costs to exchange properties. 

If I classify as primary residence, but already have one I live in about half the time, what effect will this have on my ability to get a loan?

The half-empty stratas and empty houses aren't good for a vibrant community.

From most of the agents I've talked to, the test is the easiest part.

All he wanted was me to give him his half of the rent.

Nothing in their back ground that a nice fat security deposit couldn't solve.But the information you gave is only half the picture, I'd want to know about the property itself, to understand if it would be a good long term fit for the older couple.

At one point I had to wait 2 weeks to show it, & I have been waiting about a week and a half to hear back from the other side so I can show it again.