Lost out on a home - Some questions going forward

[Scott Anthony]

Hi all, I hope this is in the right section (if not, please move to right section :)) 

Anyhow, I am a first-time home buyer and lost out on a newly listed home this past weekend.  I knew the house would sell QUICK, so I made it a point to see if the day it was listed.  I offered full asking price with 3.5% concession.  The home was already at the TOP of my budget, so I needed the 3.5% sellers assist.  I found out this morning that my offer didn't win.  The seller ended up going with someone who offered full price with no sellers assist.  A little disappointing, but I'm sure it will work out.  My question(s) are as follows:

1.  What are some aggressive tactics/strategies going forward that I can utilize to make sure the likelihood of this happening doesn't happen again?

2. I'm also thinking about buying a slight "fixer-upper" for less than my budget and putting some renovations into it, but my realtor stated that the only things I can do with a FHA loan are minor cosmetic renovations like carpet, tile, cabinets. What if i wanted to knock a wall down or something of that nature? Is that not allowed with a FHA loan?? I'm quite confused here. Also, let's say I look at a home that's $75,000 below my max budget, but I want to invest $75,000 of renovations into it? How do I go about that?

All advice and help is greatly appreciated!!  Thanks all .