I still have a way to go before I am at a point where I can invest, but my plan is to sort that out within a year or so.

What's the plan with the property?

But if you lay out your plan to the owner over the phone, it's very hard to get a "yes" because trust is developed with a face to face meeting.Trust can be established by talking about your past record (as an investor) but also if you have something positive about yourself (profession - real estate agent, nurse, teacher, fireman, doctor - any profession that can give you some added credentials).#4 Owner vs.

The 2-3% points in extra cost are worth it if you plan on using as I described above because the use would be for a few  months at most and due to that short term use you can survive a rate adjustment up.But, if you have no plan to payoff the debt like when using for a down payment on a long term hold why pay the extra cost for flexibility and have the additional risk of the adjustable rate with the amortization looming when you can get a fixed rate second mortgage. 

It's usually best to talk with your neighbors about your plans and get their support as one of the variance tests is that the requested relief does not cause a public health issue or alter the essential character of the neighborhood.Try googling "tests for a variance in [your state]" and talk with your local zoning department.

Some other factors to consider - How long are you planning to hold this property?

@Olga DaiselI think we are lacking some key details of your plan.

We just acquired an existing duplex in Fort Lauderdale and planning on tearing it down and build a new duplex instead.

Also, some of you will need a little pushback against Naysayers who will encourage you to stick with your Qualified Plan.] 

Hey Jacob, do you plan on expanding the portfolio?