We can certainly afford our current (and potential new lower) mortgage, but we'd need a workaround...if one exists.Anyone have any creative financing ideas about how we might be able to accomplish the downsizing with the variables I've presented?

It should work fine, particularly if you have access to folks who need less space and lower rents...think students, medical interns, etc.

I've seen CTRs nearly triple after updating ad copy with headlines such as "Looking For A Lower Price?

If they go up the year after you buy for more than you paid you can easily protest yourself, show them the closing docs as well as any pictures of the property (the worse the better) and they will usually lower it to the price you paid since that is the true market value.

Basically lead paint on window sills (5ft or lower), handrails, and railing caps. 

I got in at a lower rate on the duplex 10 months ago and if I refinance, I’ll lock in almost 100bps higher rate (I believe).  

Even then you are probably better asking lower rent than your competition.

While I've never lived in Phoenix I find it hard to believe that Tucson has a lower affordability rating than Tempe, Scottsdale or Phoenix proper.

Lower sales volume results from lower inventory which results from rising prices.

Some entitled people on here think all lower rent properties are slum lord owned.