Tropicana Gardens blocks a to d consist of 1400+ units. Edelweiss on the other hand is about 1100 units and consists of 1 block.
Just for perspective, in A to D, each floor has 11 units and serviced by 6 lifts plus 1 service lift. Block E is 22 units per floor ( i dont know if the 6 includes a service lift or not )
Its not directly connected to the mall and the MRT station, basically its in the same situation as sunway nexis. (which in essence is actually right within the commercial area.
So yes, id say youd be paying a premium for Edelweiss compared to the surrounding projects, but that has always been the case for Tropicana projects.
In my humble opinion, though it goes against your wish to minimise your initial out of pocket expense, is to buy a subsale unit in the already completed TG.
I have 4 units in TG and the rental has always been super easy, the longest vacancy ive experienced since VP in 2017 was 3 weeks, that also was due to MCO because my tenant had issues getting their visa to come to malaysia. otherwise all other instances there have been zero vacancies.
Furthermore, the sizes are bigger at A -B , 603sf for studios, 983 for 2 bedroom , 1280 / 1400 for 3 bedrooms.
And lastly, the prices have not gone up much since VP so in essence you can find okay deals via subsale if you take into consideration the first buyers purchase prices. (and potentially further capital appreciation).  I can only speak about tropicana gardens as i have units as i have units here and none of the surrounding projects.

Hmmm... understand your situation, minimal upfront is desired.
I'm and investor, I will rent out before consider for own use. With that said. I personally won't buy Edelweiss, as I feel that it's higher risk for my intentions of buying a property. But your criteria is different from mine, so my opinion should not be taken too seriously.

Did you sign the SPA? It would be a terrible coincidence if you did it just before this announcement.

We bought the service residence golf view,not soho 🫠

Given the prospect that the nearby golf course view be gone, that sounds like premium price for a leasehold, especially if there's a plan to sell it off.
If you're ok with leasehold and prefer nearby greenery , have you looked at Damansara Central Park by Exsim, Sunway dhill, Pantai Sentral Park by IJM?

True also, many blocks released, and am not sure about the steep hill

Agree, near but yet so far (if timing not right, could waste long minutes at each traffic light)

Damansara. How about Sunway Serene? There's a big lake there , considered close to nature also