I'm 33, no debt, and my credit score is 750+.

Shoulder buyers are those that are close to qualifying but come up a little short on down payment or credit.

That’s very different than if you were approved for a line of credit for $150k.  

I have doubts about taking on a mortgage at my age and whether it will affect my credit score positively or negatively.

I have good income & excellent credit as well.

I am probably one of those people who wouldn't be able to tell if a good deal hit me in the face, although I hope I'm at a point where I could identify a great deal and a terrible deal.

On Commercial notes from community banks and credit unions you may notice that the loans will balloon at the end of the term period and often times the term is shorter than the period they amortize for your monthly payment so at the end of the term you're left with a sizeable balance to payoff or refinance again.

We were in the Lower East Side not too terribly far from wall street. 

Most states will give credit for tax paid in other states but if their tax would have been higher they then assess the difference. 

You're right, they don't make it terribly easy to find the answer to your question!