So much can be done online, and while you DO need to be reachable by your guests, you do NOT have to be reachable within 90 seconds, so don't feel hostage to some unreasonable standard of communication. 

you have to write more offers and/or lower your standards

In my area, not only is there zoning regulations, but building regulations where 3 families are built to different building standards, such as cement walls for boiler rooms, sprinklers, fire escapes to name a few.

I think generally the square footage minimum for most lenders is around 600 square feet - but typically if everything else is pretty standard could probably be an exception somewhere

The new GC will likely want to inspect the previous GC's work to ensure it meets quality standards and to identify any potential issues.

If you're using standardized or rule-of-thumb metrics (for example, many out of state investors do this for expediency), you may find that tax and insurance expenses are much higher than anticipated. 

For your area standard laminate sounds fine.

I know there are some areas that this is standard, and maybe yours is one of these. 

The rate is higher than with the standard prepay but if you are still looking to be at rental rates but have the option to sell within a year or so it is a great option.

How come no one has created a standard form for hard money lending where the terms are easily comparable across them?