Seems late for a mechanic's lien issue, especially if not addressed by title insurance before the sale. 

For government loans, this is typically lower however, you would have to pay a premium up front and carry the insurance for life.

I would keep some cash for emergencies, insurance deductibles, etc.

When considering owner-occupied, you have an option to choose an FHA loan at 3.5% down payment, however FHA does require two separate mortgage insurance fees, which could make the deal less desirable.

Those requirements are: Reserves savings over 10%, No litigation, no one party owns more than 10% of the total units, low renter and high owner concentration, and sufficient insurance.

The tenant’s friend was smoking a cigarette, and it was concluded by the fire department that was the source of the fire.Here’s the rub, tenant doesn’t have renters insurance, let alone one with a fire clause.

My monthly expenses for the house including mortgage, 5% vacancy rate, 5% repair cost, water, taxes and insurance will be $2,400.

You may invalidate your insurance by renting out a illegal unit.

A friend told me that insurance rates on apartments are much higher than on a duplex or sfh. 

For up to 12 months, and in some cases longer, life insurance companies can provide a firm commitment to borrowers that today’s interest rate will be the interest rate when they close, barring any substantial changes to the property and its economics.