The rules to Fannie/Freddie loans is that you have to loan in a person's name. 30 year fixed rates here with a lower rate than other loan types.

You didn't mention if you were receiving cash out or not but the "Loan to Value" is higher on a SFH and the rate is lower. 

This, Bryant is spot on with the lower down payment, you also get lower interest rates, and with roommates you can significantly lower what you owe.Plus if you are a student, you have cost avoidance. 

If it says based on net sales price, then it is on the lower number.

They want you to get your license though because your worth is significantly lower while you are not licensed because you're not allowed to communicate with other Agents about most things they might be calling the office about, nor accessing homes, nor talking to clients in anything other than a receptionist capacity.If they find you valuable once you start, they might ask you to show homes for them, or to do some of the work that they like the least. 

Reason that it has attracted me is because they yield is so good and cost is substantially lower.

They also have lower closing costs. 

Technically I’m buying a like kind property worth more than the property I’m selling just my purchase price is lower than what the property is worth.

I have a lot of family and resources in Pittsburgh already and the lower prices there are a lot less intimidating to me than here in NYC.

This calculation also assumes that personal exemption and itemized/standard deduction weren't used to further decrease the income.It appears the gain will be a lot lower resulting in a lower tax.