@Maryann Nichols You will not find any properties on BP to flip.

In IL sellers are not required to share the report, but they're not barred from it either. 

Are there other options that could be better for a construction to perm loan (not through a traditional bank)???

There are towns that are not too far where there could be some options for you, but I would start going to real estate investor meetups and pair that with books and podcasts.

I appreciate any feedback or suggestions you may have to offer. 

RealEstateIRA's, there was no fine print.

Is there any way to know if it would be an acceptable contingency to the lender before going through with the deal?

Although there are advantages to waiting too, such as if interest rates continue to drop.

I have not received any return on my money. 

Wisconsin has a 21 day timeline for landlords to account for any damages and refund the deposit, so if your State is similar, could also remind the seller of those statutes and that you can't just ignore these funds (like pro rating any rent the month of closing where you should be entitled to the portion from closing to the end of the month)