From Section 121(b)(5): (emphasis mine)(C)Period of nonqualified useFor purposes of this paragraph— i period of nonqualified use” means any period (other than the portion of any period preceding January 1, 2009) during which the property is not used as the principal residence of the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s spouse or former spouse.ii period of nonqualified use” does not include—portion of the 5-year period described in subsection (a) which is after the last date that such property is used as the principal residence of the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s spouseThe law does not mention anything about how the property was FIRST used.

Someone else is paying all the interest compared to you paying it now.

Average is between $700-$900.We base all our income comparisons at $750 a unit and you should be caahflowing at least 50% of your gross rental income compared to the purchase price.

For tax purposes, would it be better to close in 2017 or 2018?

One of the strategies mentioned is to offer 2-3 choices to tenants so they compare the choices rather than comparing your rental to others in the area.

Residential lenders won't touch it, and commercial lenders tend to value it with comparables (like a residential) instead of the income approach because it's more similar to a 4-unit than a 20-unit apartment. 

Raising your limits and getting an Umbrella would be relatively cheap compared to the overall cost. 

They prices/rents are much higher compared to SFH.

In the process of my journey I tried to figure out... how on earth can I actually get that deposit money... for the commercial real estate multi family building... it appeared to me as quiet an impossible task, especially with so much hassle factor in place... to even get the multi family building....I realized that the only way to earn money... is to not just have multiple part time jobs.. but... also know exactly.. the purpose... behind you getting these part time jobs...   

If not, they may have just thrown anyone into the units to fill it for the sole purpose of selling.