Some of it is just straight memorization.2.

To cut to the chase, I am exploring using the seller (my friends mom) to finance the purchase until I can cash her out with a conventional mortgage down the road.

Jared,  I would cut my friend/contractor in for part of the profit.   

I would probably get a grinder wheel that cuts tile, Mark a nice clean straight/plumb line up and cut the messy end off.

House hack, straight investment, single-family, multi?

If you were investing in a Subway sandwich franchise, would you want to be the guy scouting for new restaurant locations, or would you want to be the guy making Cold Cut Combos and helping hungry / irate customers? 

Oh, the refi proceeds are going straight to cash reserves as I build up a large opportunity fund.

You'll pay top dollar, but will cut down immensely on the aggravation of rehabbing then renting it out from afar.   

The plow companies straight ignore calls and messages while they are scrambling to get their contracts completed.The real estate world up there has done a good job of isolating themselves from the flatlanders and outside businesses.

First the condo fees cut into your monthly budget and you may be hit with special assessments depending on the condition of the complex and who runs it.