Over the next year we would probably build enough cash to pay off the remaining credit on the variable loan, and would subsequently be on traditional mortgages for 4.875 - 5.1%.I am happy to try and provide any other info that would allow you guys to weigh in.Thanks so much in advance for this newbie question!

Traditionally, lenders dislike the down payment to be OPM, as that signals the buyer has no skin in the game and thus is a higher risk. 

To keep up the rest of the world, and so my traditional "professional" skills don't get rusty, I work remotely for a software company. 

I know a lot of people make very informed decisions (and subsequently a lot of money) in RE, I just really worry about those people who sign up for an RE website and see post after post about how easy/simple/better it is to invest in RE than traditional securities.

Additionally, a plan should be put in place to keep the loan current until it's ready to be sold to a retail buyer (who will likely use a traditional loan that must be in 1st position).  

Anybody have any ideas on how they protect these common areas that do not necessarily have traditional heating to them?  

If going for the historical layout, then the entire house should match that - but the house in general feels traditional, not historical, to me.

Ive also worked with agents on the traditional 3% model and had it work less than promised.

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I have noticed that some traditional loans you can put down as low as 5%, some will allow for the PMI to be amortize.