Again, the more you can find out about what's happening down there from experts in the city the better you can make a better decision on buying.  

Making my decision so much easier

@Anne Chiramberro,Absolutely, it is a hard decision and it sure seemed like a harder path at the time!  

If the cost is equal for actual hardwood then I guess your decision is a no brainier.

The owner makes the decision on Monday.

Very relevant as we all do our yearly tax rituals (whatever yours may be)...The Schedule E is not ideal, but for round peg expenses (that are legit "ordinary and necessary" expenses, and the IRS and tax courts have lots of info, be it regs, opinions, and decisions on that) that do not fit in their Schedule E round hole categories, I try good ole' Line 19 and I even write in a couple (be it condo dues or cell phone) that are major contributors to the category in the small space provided.

Am I incorrect on that assumption?

I feel like this is just a post made to ignite an argument. 90% of it is so incorrect that I'm just going to assume you are a troll and not waste time addressing any point you've attempted at making.

Make sure you network locally and have dedicated local people who assist your during your decision making process, keep an eye out for you and who stay on top your properties.

I am not sure what the rates are in New York, but in Connecticut I have 2 clients that used their first time homebuyer loan to buyer a live-in multi-family and they only had to put 5% down.I wish I had started out this way, I have never met anyone who has regretted making that decision.