Maybe I'm suffering from "analysis paralysis," which is why I've been looking around for some good training or coursework (versus fly by night scams, of course).Thank you for the advice and question.

People definitely like gas versus oil.

But so far, I've had no issues regarding special hoops landlords must jump through in either of those places, and systems seem to be fair regarding tenant versus landlord issues.  

Expecting a cash rebate (versus a credit) after closing is probably not going to be acceptable to your seller since it is customary for most transactions involving a licensed broker.  

Honestly, I'm with Mark Ferguson on the 30 year versus 15 year.

I like 4 units better as you are having 4 tenants make payment versus 2.

I learned by experience that the buyer pays closing costs for a foreclosure sale (cash deal ) versus the seller .

That's a quick way to go from hero to zero with your cash flow.OREO for commercial as we call it versus REO for residential you can find by calling your local banks.

Sometimes it makes sense paying the tax versus buying into a marginal deal.I am commercial broker with clients all over the country.

I would be willing to wager that the reason they have that rule is so they can pre-sell or sell off the units because if too many are non owner occupied the condo project may lose its FHA, VA, or conventional financing approval then it would be hard for people to purchase any units in that complex with out financing ( only cash or private/hard money/portfolio money).Most project approvals require 51% or more of the complex to be owner occupied, HOA delinquency to be less than 15%, no single owner or entity can own more than 10% of the units within a given project, and other rules to maintain their financing capability.One of the risks of buying condo's is that during the period of time while you hold the property you may lose project approval and it may greatly reduce the marketability of your town home or condo if you're thinking of exit strategies.