Do not let the seller and her delusional asking price influence your decision."

This is a decent deal where markets appreciate substantially ex: downtown JC, pan manhattan, manhattan.

But you would want to lock in the conventional as soon as possible because it is a floating rate and you don't know when the interest rate could go up substantially.

BUT the downside is that during our first year of occupancy and loss of 50% of the rental income, it would be negative cashflow about -$380/month.That $380 is still substantially less from what my girlfriend and I are paying in rent now, but I'd be building equity and experience.

There are a lot of additional factors that would influence the split.

The latter can be quite substantial.

Books Ive already read or am reading:Rich Dad Poor Dad, The Little Red Book On Common Sense Investing, The Four Hour Work Week, Increase Your Financial IQ, Getting To Yes, Early Retirement ExtremeBooks I am set up to read next:The Millionaire Next Door, Think And Grow Rich, The Richest Man In Babylon, How to Win Friends And Influence OthersAny other suggestions?

I've begun reading books, listening to podcasts and webinars (which easily influenced me to be a pro member), etc.  

Based on my available down payment, the 25% down and higher comm rates influenced my offer - much lower than list price.  

I used 2 investment properties and my personal residence cross-collateralized to buy a substantial investment property It didn't go well.