Real estate is the wisest way to relatively safe, convenient, and secure venture. Allow you to generate recurring income. The more you're into it, the more you benefit from it.

Under no circumstances would I take a tenant that I was not comfortable with that didn't meet the minimum criteria.

too close for comfort!

Whatever both parties are comfortable with, but full disclosure and transparency should be a good starting point.

I asked the broker I am working with to find out more about the property and he was told the Seller's agent is not willing to work with him as a buyer's broker.My broker told me that if the seller's agent refuses to cooperate the seller's agent will keep the entire 6% commission and I would have to pay my broker 3% directly.I would feel much more comfortable doing a deal of this size with the assistance of a broker representing me.

Each city brings something different to the table and, as an investor, will need to figure out what satisfies your goal.Once you have identified the type of market, its time to identify an area that you feel comfortable.  

So if you are comfortable and can afford to house hack, I would highly recommend it.

Always better to go with a company that specializes in short-term rental insurance so you have the comfort of knowing for sure that you're covered. 

But you have to be comfortable with a 3-5 year hold. 

Simply respond that it's a personal matter and you're not getting involved.If she is no longer comfortable living with him, she needs to figure out how to get comfortable or buy her way out of the lease.