I am trying to do some due diligence in searching out those mortgage companies that don't care about credit but keep running into brick walls.

@Robert JonesThis seems like a complex project with a lot of surprises behind the walls.

For example if you have 2 prong outlet in a wall and you gut that wall they can require that outlet be brought up to current code AND they could require additional outlets in that wall as well.

Quote from @Jaron Walling: The best deals involve solving problems and you did just that.

However, when my agent said this basement was piered which meant the walls are "caving in," I called the listing agent and asked.

We’ve put silicone sealant along the walls of the portion of the house that is affected all the way to the foundation.

This is why you see most homes in the area surrounded by high walls to protect against flooding.

Along the way discovered some of the walls were rotted out due to previous termite damage.

I have seen walls that you would assume that are on the property line be more than 2' on one side or the other.  

Another might walk in and see how color changes, sidewalk appeal or a host of other minor changes make a property attractive.