I'll be glad to set up a property search for you, and answer any of your questions. 

To keep it as a SFR, we would save on a 2-story porch ($18k) as well as another kitchen ($12k) and a few other needs for multi unit.We could keep it as a 2 unit, but then we have to create a new wall to separate the units again, adjust the main staircase, do the 2 story porch along with a 2nd flr HVAC, dual water heaters & electrical, kitchen and maybe move and/or add a wall.

I think a good realtor is crucial and can set you up with daily notifications of new properties, etc.Good luck out there!

For "Conforming, Conventional" loans (loans governed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) each bank uses the same set of rules. 

He is looking for help with setting up a US bank account without having to come here. 

Appliances are not included in the insurance claim of what's being covered by insurance since that falls under "personal" items.I am planning to buy a new kitchen set with the Black Friday deals coming up; however before I did so I wanted to see if anyone had any recommended tax strategies in terms of categorizing them as a repair vs. cap ex, or being able to possible deduct the expense or depreciate them?

It's simple enough to set up and to me makes it easier to keep track of anyway.   

It seems as though you could work with the Seller (based on what you said, seems like a good person that wants to do right by everyone involved) to have him/her provide your lease (with the current owner's information substituted for your own) for tenant signatures, set to take effect once the current lease expires.

The response from the seller's agent came in as a text at 5:29 pm last night when the offer was set to expire at 5:30.

What is right in one instant, for one team, in one set of conditions could be a completely wrong play for another team with a completely different matchup.But when it comes to real estate investing, wannabe investors often ask the equivalent of “What’s the best play?”