From pictures and more information, the seller stated that his home/living space was upstairs and a whole entire business was downstairs.

My travel is measured by cost per mile used to travel to and from the property.

My firm also manages properties for our clients and although its a small portion of our business, its a great way for us to stay involved with clients to better understand & anticipate their needs. 

Other benefit on paying extra on one only  is that if/when interest rates drop then better to refinance one mortgage (with higher loan amount) to save cost over two refinances. 

You might also meet someone that could be a potential business partner.

How long will it require to implement your business plan and rent / stabilize the property? 

(This will be a business, not a relaxing vacation on the beach.)  

The borrower / partner should have assets to show  (25% down payment + closing costs+ reserves)5.

Another benefit is you can enter the market sooner with a lower cost of entry( down payments 10-15%), helping you scale and make real estate a full-time income source sooner.

But I know that finding the balance on the pro forma between the cost of the land/construction and the density of the development (which drives rents/income/cash flow) is always the challenge.