If you have an inspection contingency that is still in effect then I would definitely negotiate.

If you do a lot of your own screening (free aside from time) then this can be effective, but you kiss a lot of frogs before you find that prince charming.

I think sometimes, you can't behave like an economic robot and you've just got to do what feels right, particularly when both the choices are good (just one is better).

Here, there is a "default" lease under our Residential Tenancy Act that comes into effect once you accept payment for an accommodation - if you do not have a specific signed lease.

Consider the effects of foregoing your capital gains exclusion, if sell more than 3 years from now.

Many folks have a problem adjusting to effectively living on a 7.5% pay cut.

As such, it's possible I could come in $10k under budget, effectively making this deal 100% financed.

What effects do you think the bitter cold will have on an unoccupied house?

Cost of acquisition is doubled also since you would be have to buy two houses. ( I know you are just comparing a SFR to a duplex - not two houses, but assuming you plan to acquire more )This is why I have a personal preference towards multi family units over SFRs.

Fortunately, surgery was able to fix the problem but not all of the effects.