To sum it all up: your top priority is to serve your interests and earn profit, therefore you should do everything you can to minimize risks and maximize profits.

Doing it by yourself with minimal assistance. 2.

I also have an investment strategy in place (core/core+ investments, minimal to no rehab, aiming for 8%-12% IRR over a long holding period).

Some hard money / private investors have minimal loan amount restrictions. 

You can do this every year if you want, its a great strategy to buy homes with minimal down!!  

Ensure robust contingency planning and risk mitigation strategies to minimize disruptions.Leveraging Technology in Due DiligenceCompetitive AnalysisUse advanced analytics tools to track competitor activities and market trends.

I understand most of the interest rates we have now are minimal so we will likely keep paying the minimum balance each month.

Finally, emailed the L.O. saying I hated to interrupt him, but how many more Amendments will be needed to close this deal, or whether there's any plan to close at all. 

After the renovation is complete and you're renting the unit, not having to worry about tracking physical keys is a super convenient perk for residents/guests, and also has the added benefit of minimizing the amount of lockouts and other headaches you'll potentially have to deal with later on down the road. 

You want low maintenance-so go with a house that needs minimal work to rent it long term.