I live in a ski town and write off the 2% (less where I live but close to correct in the Villages) as the cost of living somewhere fun and beautiful. 

A lot of houses have no windows on the South side and that is for a reason.You didn't say where you live but unless it's the far north, I would pick house #1. 200 extra SF is nice too.....If there is not enough sunlight down the road and it bothers you, you can always add a window on the front, or even easier, put in a Solatube in a central location.

Many now getting back to live events.

My 40 year old lives in house.  

Second, commissions are set at approximately 5-6% because that's what it takes for an agent to earn a living.

If you're new to this game, try to buy rentals, live in 1 unit and rent out other rooms/ units and manage the house well to just understand how to manage a real estate investment and what costs it takes.

I have a 3 party who I have used since day one $45.00 to do background  so far so good couple bumps nothing too big .Last place they lived is BIG make sure you don't skip any thing that should be done .When they are serous take a picture of the DL of all folks on the rental just like a apartment would do .

I've been living in the house with one roommate paying $600 of the mortgage.

They love living there but they want the unit updated, about a $50k cost. 

- Family is full of General ContractorsGoal- Plan to live in 1-2 Years before doing a cash-out refi for our next property- Goal is to lower our monthly rent.