just ball parking numbers but if you get your PITI payment closer to $700 a month and rent the other side at 650-700 you can live in your side free or very little and prepare for expenses i.e. $0 cash flow with free rent less your downpayment and CC for about $30K.Since you are in contract you have much to consider during your walk period.

Of course, you can enforce your original lease, but then you would need to be prepared to go the next step in enforcing it.  

We are soon attempting to using Rent Manager for a trial as soon as I get out of preparing all the 1065s and K-1s for 2014.

Which lenders (in Chicago) is prepared to provide loans to foreign nationals at 60% LTV ratio.

Experts say tenants tend to take better care of a home when they know the owner is nearby.Be prepared for worst-case scenarios, and study local laws.

Talking with a lender should at the very least provide you with a better idea of how much more you will need to save, and hopefully some other actions to start taking to get better prepared for financing. 

I would also recommend looking for a tax strategist who is willing to work with you throughout the year, not just when preparing your tax return.

I would also recommend looking for a tax strategist who is willing to work with you throughout the year, not just when preparing your tax return.

I think it would be beneficial to have a chat early on (even so far out) to help better prepare me for variables I may not even considered.

You will have to ask yourself if you are prepared for that, or do you have a local mentor that you could bring in.