I am very eager to start taking action and learning but live in a high cost of living market (Boston) currently and for several reasons (need to save more, move to lower cost of living place etc.) will not be able to start for at least 1.5 years. 

But I'm also of afraid of missing out on a good opportunity to get a townhome in a expensive popular area at the price point and interest rate I find to be favorable.

If the borrower took a seller carried mortgage out in the past 3 years, there is a good chance that there current terms are lower than their proposed.

The problem here is the risk for the lender and such a structure would make their risk even higher.By the way, these days, interest rates in Mexico aren't that much lower than those in the US.

Heating oil is expensive and I only expect a 3 year period before I see a significant return on my outlay.

If you're going to do Ellis Act, then you don't have to buy out either (but you will owe them certain moving expenses and time to move).

You have revenue (rent) and need to consider expenses to calculate cash flow. $5,000 Rent per month is great unless expenses are $10,000 per month.

Historically, property values in Plano have appreciated well, which can offset lower cash flow in the short term.

I am not too familiar with the area but I would like to avoid lower class neighborhoods as to attract young professionals.

We also want to remove the tub/shower and make it just a shower, but we only have 1 full bath in the house and we weren't sure if that is something that would lower interest in our property. 4.