I believe it leads the listing agents to having a better chance of double ending the deal.So, how do I see that affecting investing? 

the details and conditions of how things will come together may come at a price... again i didnt get a chance to get close to my 2nd until i handed him a check. you know there are people who come out of pocket for mentorship who are very successful and swear by it. 

Chances seem very very slim that a judge will buy the verbal agreement thing, especially for all 4 months.

That said- if you are going to make the jump, it sounds like now is the time, you don't want to take the chance when you have kids, insurance, etc etc, You can always find another $60k job right? 

I narrowed my search to Kansas City, MO as the location in the midwest I would have the best chance of getting the benefits of cash flow and appreciation in comparison to the NY market.

I would also use old school washer and dryer-top loading as there is less chance of problems. 

I narrowed my search to Kansas City, MO as the location in the midwest I would have the best chance of getting the benefits of cash flow and appreciation in comparison to the NY market.

On the conv-95 you mentioned, chances are good that MIP falls off at 75-80%LTV without the need to refi, but you'd want to double check that with the lender. 

I know that the longer the rental income history the better chance I will have.

If it doesn't sell at $790k yet is relisted at $950k, chances are the seller doesn't care whether or not it sells.