Also, in PR, having a local facilitate that exchange - who knows the environment, smooths the way so much more.

Additionally, you are correct about the potential appreciation of a condo in this environment. 

House hacking is an awesome way to experiment in a relatively low risk environment. 

Maybe wouldn’t be in the banks intrest as rate are falling but what about in the environment that we are in when rates are going up.

As someone accustomed to the structured environment of military life, I'm looking for a quiet location where I can feel secure and at ease to walk my dogs around.

Given the current environment, I don’t want to take any chances, so I’m not going to make it.

Generally the southern US is a great place to invest for me, but I only do multi-tenant retail, good growth, better regulatory environment, great people etc. 

Luckily for us the issue was not huge, but we missed the inspection window before we found that out. 203(K)’s have higher rates than standard loans, so consider the timing of your refinance (especially in todays environment).

With tons of ex teammates and international students looking for housing in our small town environment, there is a untapped avenue to succeed.

On #2, the reason to take a lower interest rate is that I get the price I want for the house (which would be difficult in this interest rate environment) and enable the buyer to purchase the home with lower monthly rates,  where he would not have been able to do so otherwise AND I still make a healthy return on the money until he refinances.