The element of net cash flow sheltered by tax depreciation can be typically reinvested without immediate taxation, the remainder typically cannot.

But for me, it boils down to the rationale that when I fall on hard times when the black swan comes around, I will not lose that precious asset, even with the worst of situations hitting me, because only uncle Sam could take it away now, but compared to other bills, taxes are cheap (at least relatively, my property taxes are cheap for now).

Compare programs with different lenders.

Anyway, the 2017 compared to the 2015 has much stricter energy and building codes.

My realtor pulled comps, but I don't feel they are an apples to apples comparables.

How has it compared to simply searching through the MLS with an agent or hunting on zillow / realtor / redfin?

I've found this to be very helpful analyzing comparables, taking a zip code and determining what your rental income can demand based off rental criteria.

MLS. offered above asking given the competitive market. haven't seen a comparable duplex listed this low since this one.

That way you can compare rates/fees against each other.

In most cases, the math will pan out that those higher costs are nothing compared to what a lower rate will save you in the long term.