I was worried about it, but so far no damage or stains and we allow dogs.

It it was me I'd figure out how to get a staircase down into that unit from the unit above it and make the first floor unit larger.  

I choose a larger bank (better rates), two local banks (less restrictions, and one in which I already banked.Step 3 (network with everyone): During my lunch breaks at work and in between changing diapers I would call/text anyone I knew or didn’t know to discuss real estate.

But I know sometimes I may need to sell to get a larger lump sum up front to help with lack of any other income currently. 

I tend to have an easier/faster time renting my 2 bedroom units than the larger ones. 

I grew up where lots were much larger and houses were much larger and it took me a while to adjust.

The problem will be no larger than you allow it to be.  

My landlords usually charge $50/month for a big dog over 40 pounds (or for any dog) and $25/month for cats or very small dogs.

you're not missing anything; i have the same worry about gator lending. however, sometimes people are looking for way larger amounts of transactional lending, for bigger deals. in those cases, it's more justified for them to need the $ IMO. but also, more is on the line, so you still have to really do your due diligence. if you're really interested in being a gator, take pace's program. i haven't, but if i was going to seriously get into it, i would. 

I will say this is one of several same-size plots split from a larger one and the others have been split in half the same as I'm planning.