That will play a big role in this decision. 

Historically low interest rates & one's view of interest rates going forward must be considered in anyone's investment decision making. 

Even if just for your own education so you feel really comfortable with your decision - it doesn't hurt to ask around.  

So I want to get to the decision-makers without necessarily revealing the entire topic so I can at least get a direct refusal, instead of someone who decides not pass on the message as they benefit from the property remaining as it is currently, or in the future, and I keep  wasting time on the property anyway.   

With your dad being a doctor I would assume (perhaps incorrectly) that he is fairly well read and has an understanding of the stock market.

About the best you can do is to make purchase decisions based on current law.  

My decision was based on letting my money work for me instead of just sitting there.  

I am in position to pay off with cash with some help from home equity line of credit  or pay off totally with cash and use home equity line of credit for any emergency cash needs for a year to replenish my reserves Need advice to make better decision I am not in rental or real estate business .

Congratz on your decision to make a move.

It's a calculated decision based on at what stage and condition the building is in.For retail if there are no demising walls yet and it's in a cold dark exterior shell condition the all in costs for putting in walls could be 35 to 40 per sq ft with plumbing and ceilings etc.If you have demising walls already could drop to 25 to 30 a sq ft.