If it passes, cities and counties can then a lot more about rent control, including imposing vacancy control which would prevent landlords raising the rent to market price on a vacancy. 

This is actually the first time I have came across a Seller having issues with a delay in closing, and wanting to impose a per diem for each day past the original close date.And what would that do?

This is true, but one should note an important limitation to this was imposed with the TCJA. 

A duplex, but both sides have basements that are unnecessary to the upper, and potentailly have a way to separate. 

First, its not the case that the "federal government" has imposed a 10 mortgage limit. 

That entire paragraph was so unnecessary Sir. 

Are there any unnecessary expenses that could be taken away to maximize your current income?

I don't want to take on any unnecessary debt.

@David Key It means residential owner financing is subject to the SAFE Act and the Dodd Frank law which impose significant regulation, expense and risk on owner financing. 

If you don't want the restrictions imposed by the IRS when you do an exchange, it can be the best option if your capital gain is a significant percentage of your sales price (usually at least 15% or more).