Each dwelling has variables to consider such as light exposure, reflection/absorption, finishes & materials in addition to the style that best compliments the architecture. 

I run into a few variables with this.

also, paying 100% cash completely removes one of the wealth generating variables in buy and hold, am I right?

I wouldn't settle on the front-end if you're investing from overseas... too many variables that will turn this one sour for you quickly. 

Since it is our practice to analyse a property using the posted rate - and then obtain a variable rate mortgage 2%+ lower, but set out payments as though we were paying a 5-yr fixed at the posted rate ... it will be not change for us ;-)

I do signicant market research and there are also many other variables that I consider before moving into a new market...but these are the primary reasons (population forecasts and job forecasts).If you'd like to meet and further discuss, I might be able to make time for that.  

I'm definitely going to have my tax person look at that variable a little closer.  

I know a lot of variables are involved but just trying to get a feel for how big a deal this is.

Based on my input criterion, my results suggested it'd be better to wait, but I'd encourage you to run some of the same numbers as your input variables will differ and could net you a different result. 

Depending on the size of your portfolio of properties, I try to place investors into programs that their insurance costs are set, and the only variable is the value of the home.