I would avoid the wine, too.

I cannot see a good reason as to why you would want to avoid using a buyer's agent if you are a buyer.

Any advice about neighborhoods to look at or avoid?

How about indicating the subject is the only field being searched to avoid frustration for users?

@Raheem Johnson you cant avoid the inquiry hits on your credit.

When you understand real estate cycles, you understand that there is a time to avoid certain markets but you should bear in mind that not every market is cyclical. 

What financial pitfalls do you want to avoid into retirement?

I was hoping to not amortize though, to avoid paying the seller all interest in the beginning.

Any areas we want to avoid?

Please see additional considerations below.If you are eligible to set up a self-employed Solo 401k (or have a 401k plan through an employer which accepts rollover contributions and allows for 401k participant loans), another alternative which would avoid taxes and penalties would be to transfer your funds to such a 401k plan and then take a 401k participant loan.