While employed use the 150K (split in half) and buy 2 SFR, TH or Duplex leverage (75K down stroke / leverage about 40-60%), then you have some cash flow. with a bank loan as rates are low and fixed. 

I'm self employed so I want to wait until after I file my taxes early in Jan or at least after my CPA lets me know what my taxes look like.

Would have to verify income and employment.

Two weeks after the contract was signed, she informed me that her company no longer does the home-style renovations in-house and they would employ a broker to handle the deal.  

The building is old and I will eventually have to update the pumping.The Numbers:$102k Purchase25% down - wanted to do 20%, but liked the rest of the loan5.0% interest rate 30 years Hard money  I am self employed conventional finaincing is a challenge$1071 loan fees 1.5% orig$7292 buy down and other fees = 2%= 1 point lower on rate I will use the fees to offset my taxesIt will take 3 years to cover the buy down - I expect I will own this for the long termMy lender is amazing - PM if you want his info$36k out of pocket - more cash than I wanted, but the deal worksThe good part:$383 P&I on 71k $148 taxes and insurance$300 - Property manager - he is a local guy and does maintenance and property management, collects rent, finds and shows the place.  

If you decide to refinance @Thaddeus Ramirez and want to do so conventionally it will be more of an uphill battle being self employed as I am sure you know.

If you are willing to work seriously at it there are many exit strategys to employ to move forward with your goals. 

Do check out their employment history and verify income.  

However, in another year I'll be vested in a pension through my employer and they will make automatic contributions without a required matching contribution from me. 

Local economy, major employers, crime rate by area, appreciation history, default history, possible environmental hazards.