I feel like our best bet would then be a condo, which I'm really hoping to avoid.

The Allure Trafficmaster flooring has worked well for me so far.As @Colleen F. suggested, I'd avoid the laminate.

There are a couple of more "steps" in different approaches that can get you off this runaway freight train, without a real estate license that effectively accomplishes the same goal, and in fact, allows you to make more money avoiding predatory dealing issues!

If you are purchasing your own home (primary residence), you will be paying your mortgage interest out of after tax dollars and thereis a compelling argument to make a larger down payment (if possible) and avoid the mortgage insurance (CMHC or Genworth).  

@Sawyer LubkeCurious why you're selling your duplex on the open market when you could post on BP with dozens of investors looking for a cheaper duplex in Uptown where you could avoid the 2.7% buyer's agent fee? 

They did you a huge favor for no benefit, so the least you could do is avoid complicating their tax situation.    

People can make money and be successful and avoid morally questionable business practices.

Landlords are use to getting checks in the mail, they weren't aware of the taxes they avoided until I explained seller financing!

I work to preserve the NYC communities and help an abundance of families every month to get back on their feet and avoid foreclosure.

(for the most part) Used very little of my money and avoid capital gains tax mainly using my stock/options proceeds as half of the Down payment for the FHA loan.I'm leaving a lot of detail out, but overall even though I didn't have cash to invest i created a gameplan while continuing to learn/educate myself about real estate and stock investing, and leveraged my knowledge until the right time/opportunity presented itself.Cheers,