My property would rent out for a standard long term rate of $2300-2500 a month.

As long as the title company files the note and deed with the county then it's easy to refinance in the future.3.

If you give any credence to this type of response, you're in for a long painful real estate investing experience. 

You can't do that with a long term tenant. 

My long term goal at the end of my investment journey is to enjoy the journey, play the long game, and  have enough income from my investments that keeps my family well and financially independent.

It is more about whether I should be concerned about the long term.

So as long as they are thinking rationally, both parties have an interest in working this out..The way to escalate is usually to go to their broker, if that does not work file a complaint with their state board.

I personally don’t like installment sale contracts or contracts for deeds, especially over long periods of time.

In order to determine NOI, do I include only annual repair and maintenance expenses or also a budget for long-term capital expenditures (roof, heating, etc)?

In real estate, you need to be thinking long term.