Out of pocket, we spent about $2000 for the purchase, which was cash towards the deposit. 

I do a lot of traveling so I figured a virtual mailbox would be best but I know that there is also the option of getting a PO Box.

Local lenders with credit unions may have quirky loan products that you wouldn't find at a big box lender but this is not always the case.

I was told that, since they reported my income in box 3 (instead of 14- for payments to attorneys) I have to pay Self Employment Tax (SET) in the U.S.- Is this correct?

It helps to know Krav Maga, or at least know how to box. 

Anyone who spent the extra couple grand 40 years ago had $1 million in equity; the people saving $2k buy buying into a land lease situation ended up costing themselves $millions.  

I spent weeks trying to get some of them on the phone or to respond via email and I was crossing banks off my list, as they were rejecting me. 

We spent about 18,000 for the renovation for each unit for everything.

Before starting grad school, I spent two years working in a real estate development firm specializing in large-scale commercial and solar projects in NJ and, before that, worked under a general contractor for several years.

Aprasor spent almost as much time on the property as a home inspector,  just to use the most ridiculous comps she could find.