I would strongly recommend to connect with @Joseph Chiofalo they are a nationwide investor focused direct lender.

These forums are a great place to learn and meet people, whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned investor.

Whites creek area 37218 zip code.

Get connected with the local real estate investment groups.There are quite a bit of real estate minded individuals in the Tampa Bay area.

One by one, lender origination fees and each area of the cost to close. 

In my area it's up to 10K.

If you prefer a little more excitement then keep the mortgages and invest in other areas.

His QI is telling him the escrow would also be considered money received at closing but falls in a gray area if audited. 

On the presumption it is a personal house, I would say to do it as soon as you can afford it, presuming you are looking to stay in the same area you are at for at least several years.  

If you are getting started and are in New York, I would not recommmend you buy in New YorkStart in a place like Michigan, Tennessee, Missouri or Mississippi.