@Steve MelendrezHow many roommates can you handle ?

The townhouse, also a duplex, has way more maintenance, more wear and tear due to children and roommates.  

Move in to one side and perhaps even get a roommate 6.

Then, get roommates to pay your mortgage and you save money for the next househack.

Why is this roommate looking to move?

I'm partnering with my great friend and roommate from Syracuse University. 

If you are close to a college, or nightlife you might be renting to a group of adult roommates anyway.

My roommate has begun his journey into real estate investing and now owns his second house in under 13 months.I would love to pitch him the idea of setting up a lease purchasing agreement with the commitment of buying the place in 2-3 years.

I met him in New Jersey and he bought a foreclosure quadplex near New York City through Fannie Mae firstlook or other home owner occupant only (no investor) periods.Get set up on a property alert from a local agent and think about renting rooms (or buying a duplex) to long term vetted roommates for more income.

@Josh ThompsonNot sure about the legal issues, however if you're single and not adverse to room mates they could stay and pay the mortgage allowing you to gain more savings for your next property.