I have been thinking about getting a job at Home Depot of something like that while I go to school and avoid touching my saving.

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.