I've dealt with a similar situation.  

I've found that for tile, the big box retailers Lowes and HD have a smaller selection from what's on display but are much cheaper than the specialty stores for a similar quality of flooring. 

This kind of language appears in commercial mortgages from time to time depending on the situation. 

I watch the market and know that she will never find another place to rent less the $625/month that allows animals in the area.I am looking for thoughts/advice on what others would do in this situation.

@Benjamin Black In this situation I recommend getting a home equity line of credit.

I have seen some turned into jewelry stores, camera display store, restaurant speakeasy type thing, Fed Ex shipping type place, etc. 

Reason being if deal goes bad you walk away clean and they suffer.I also would never recommend to anyone to have 100% leverage as your playing with fire in those situations. 

I had a similar situation with a duplex I recently bought, which was also my first investment property. 

Nobody can tell you what to pick - there's no "right" way, just the right strategy that fits with your situation and goals.

For some tax related situation he does not want to close this year.