For example, if you refinanced your home at 7% interest and took 30 years to pay it off, it would cost you a total of $121,000 to pay it off, and you would be paying a much higher interest on your entire home loan. 

Other properties are showing high costs, but I'm not really sure how to get good comps with this situation

Combined this leads to high cost of leveraged purchases. 

That comes out to 30% of their total closing cost.

Look at new construction triplex/duplex condo sales in the heights areas, subtract carrying cost over build timeline, materials, labor and construction costs, what their desired profit in heights deals would be and that would leave you with approximate acquisition cost of the lot. 

Obviously if you have unlimited cash then sure, don't do it but for 90% of people it is the cost of doing business. 

Here is a question that we have not dealt with previously.  We are looking at a property that has the typical old interior stairs that are just short of being a ladder (reminds me of Navy ship stairs).  There is room ...

I’ve been there, and I want to share insights that can save you from costly errors.During property tours, ask smart and relevant questions.

If you are looking at this decision through the investment lens, what would you net on the investment that you put this money in to, after transaction costs and taxes? 

But the no up front cost option is great for basic updates and upgrades for a retail home seller.