I'm a little surprised no one else has mentioned this yet, but if your agent is in compliance with the new rules, they would have had you sign a buyer-broker agreement before showing the house, and I pray before starting negotiations for you.

I was surprised at the number of events here that bring in people from out of town which is why I’m curious about it. 

The only thing that matters is will they pay on time and take care of the property, and you'd be surprised at how many people who fit the perfect applicant do not do either.  

Originally posted by @Jennifer Donley:@Allen Moore -Hi - I'm surprised no one has responded. 

Risk Management: Securing enough funding to cover unexpected expenses during the renovation is a challenge.

Did you run into any unexpected challenges with the layout or structural elements?

If you have $25,000 saved up, I would keep at least $5,000 of it as a reserve to handle unexpected expenses.

On another forum I was surprised by far the best received was a post I did on Selfstorage and retirement life.

I'd say 90k for purchase, 20k for rehab, 10k for closing costs, commissions, fees, other mystery and unexpected fees and things that come up.

When I bought my owner occupied duplex my agent left a gift basket on the counter as a surprise. $50 Home Depot gift card and a bottle of champagne.