Some conventional lenders on a new construction loan often do require construction contingency reserves (in cash) as I am not aware of it required in the form of collateral like an IRA account.

Good schools, desirable area and not a war zone.

Unfortunately in a lot of the relationships involving a new investor and a new agent neither of them are aware that the agent isn't actually making any money.

I'm aware of the due on sale clause risk, however, what is the effect if any on my homeowner's insurance? 

I would like to buy a multi family home It’s extremely rare to find multi family in the suburbs, there’s a lot of multi family in the city, two big things to be aware of is to make sure it’s actually zoned multi family because I cannot tell you many listings claim to be multi family when they are not in fact zoned for multi and to make sure you or your agent really understands Baltimore at a granular level because it can be extremely block to block especially in the areas that have a lot of multi family’s.

Am I missing something or can that credit be used elsewhere that I'm just not aware of?

Be aware that often new tenants will notice real problems with a property and it's not always a bad thing when they bring these things to your attention.

And I wish more clients were aware of this.

If they can be repaired then that is what they charge you for, but I am not aware of any counter repair available except an epoxy overlay...and a new formica replacement top is probably the same price.

We are aware of the mistakes we have made so far have definitely learned to buy smarter at this point.