Based in Los Angeles but looking to possibly invest in Seattle and surrounding area since my wife and I have family up there and may make the move years down the road.

If you are talking about investment, there are newer options you can possibly look into that will qualify you based on the cash flow of the investment.

The base molding was chewed on in every room and the tile flooring and laminate flooring were damaged by rabbit urine. 

I’m being told that the maximum amount of the refinancing loan will be the purchase price from two months ago BASED ON Delayed Financing Exception.Purchase Price: 42KRehab Cost: 23KShe advised this was Fannie Mae lending Guidelines and there is nothing she can do.

I'd even be willing to make a small wager that honestly reported he is making maybe 2- 3%/ year on that property as an actual return if he hasn't kept up with rent increases. 

They all require an underwriting period to determine if they'll even lend on the deal, and do so based on the Asset unlike traditional financing.So BP,  how am I supposed to accurately determine (or at least ballpark) repair estimates, so I can make a sensible offer and respect my General Contractor's time? 

Hello Barry,Look into asset based lenders.

My plan was to maybe build more units on the lot later down the line, however I recently found out that based on the zoning I wouldn't be able to build more units on said lot.

I'm interviewing contractors: any suggestions based on personal experience?

Think of a mechanic that is telling you to buy Car Model A over Car Model B... they are the ones in a position to know that Car Model B breaks down all the time, based on what they see rolling (or being towed) into their shop.