Additionally, if you have it in an entity, make sure that the person with the better credit score retains majority ownership, as he is who will be guarantor. 

If you need to buy a home today, you can do it by writing offers that retain your contingencies. 

This is almost like saying having an attorney on retainer is bad because of attorney-client priviledge....

@Joel Baker I passed on the cabin after finding out it needed 2 retaining walls.

I also retained my last primary as a rental, which is completely maintenance free and generates $1,200/mo. in gross rent.I now leverage other people's money as much as possible and have acquired some additional multifamily properties that generate solid cash flow....there is a lot more to this story, but the basis for me launching my investing career is quite similar to your current situation.

It really taught me how to make that trade off in an abstract but retainable way.Best of luck in the future!

. $200 for retaining wall.

Specifically, Section E of the "Condominium Unit Apartment Lease" (which bears your signature) states: " Lessee shall pay upon demand all Lessor's costs, charges and expenses, including the fees of agents and others retained by the Lessor and, as provided by applicable laws and court rules, the fees of counsel, incurred in enforcing Lessee's obligations hereunder or incurred by Lessor in any litigation, negotiation, or transaction in which Lessee causes Lessor, without Lessor's fault, to become involved or concerned."

You need to focus on what hurts the neighborhood and will cause your property to fail to attract new residents or retain the old. 

The seller had a deal with a listing agent, but retained the right to find his own buyers commission-free.