In the assets I am considering - the seller is typically selling because they no longer have the time or energy. 

Want to keep these forever, sell in few years, buy more?

I know that is a long pay back period but don't plan on selling anytime soon, plus you never know what nat gas prices will do. 

Now that it’s a rental, you can deduct mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, repairs, maintenance, and depreciation to reduce taxable income, but depreciation will be recaptured at up to 25% if you sell.

You can get eaten alive in the Baltimore market by people selling you Class D properties "dressed up" as Class B.

You might want to check out the Detroit Land Bank Authority, which sells rundown properties at super low prices—as long as you commit to renovating them.

When you sell, interview as many as you need until you feel very comfortable with the one you decide to work with.real estate is a big investment, and for me it's long term, I don't want to have buyer remorse because someone isn't as knowledge as I like.when I was younger,  I was more willing or less experienced,  today I want the same level of knowledge as I offer when I help someone with their tax planning or when I prepar their taxes.....Show me your high level of knowledge,  you are hired.

Good luck.2nd comment- Why are you selling?

#3 Sell and invest elsewhere.Condos add risk. 

Since your lender requires prior experience building and selling/refinancing a single-family residence (SFR) on your own property, you may need to adjust your approach.