This is precisely the benefit of having a buyer's agent. 

You have the wonderful benefit of having lived there, so that is huge. 

To them, it might be more about you denying them their essential humanity, treating them like troglodytes fresh from a life underground.

This is essentially what I have been doing, but probably less accurately since I do not have access to the MLS at this point. 

You get the tax benefits of the mortgage interest and should be able to easily beat the 5% or so mortgage interest rate you'll be charged. 3.

Essentially I start at the desired finish date and work backwards.

We've had the same tenants the last 18 months.Rent: $1,350/monthMortgage, Ins, taxes: $960/monthOur initial plan/goal was to acquire properties and hold them for long-term (20-30 years+) to essentially have the tenants pay for the mortgage and we would make a decent cash flow profit annually and then eventually have a solid asset (trying to diversify investing, e.g. not having everything in retirement accounts/stocks)Just recently the A/C had some leaks and is pretty much on it's last leg and needing a replacement (quote of ~$8-$9,000 installed + fixing leaks in duct work).

Well, with a Contract For Deed you are essentially taking ownership of the home and your 'borrower' is under contract to make installment payments until the end of the term, so there would be no power of sale.

Why build wealth if you and your family never enjoy the benefits?

The benefit is that my business parter/sister is a real estate agent, so she provides comps/evaluations on any properties we find, but I will definitely take all of the insight you have given me into consideration.