But the terms will tell you the answers - yes you can refinance but there may be a prepayment penalty That would be the least of my concerns.

Your real estate agent can convey your concerns to the sellers' agent.

Can everyone post what they know and where they are at as far as correspondences and solutions are concerned?

I'm constrained to being on title so completely understand that I'm accountable to the lending debt - not concerned about that.  

You are more likely to have this concern if you issue the key routinuely to tenants.

Yeah, that was my concern is having a VA aimlessly make phone calls and not convert because they aren't asking the right questions.

However, always budget for unexpected issues, especially when adding square footage.Seller financing could indeed allow you to offer more, but you're right to be concerned about funding the rehab.

I suggest you be sure to give the good faith deposit to either an attorney or the settlement agent, never to the seller.I'm a little concerned that the seller is your neighbor. 

I am most concerned about a large area of mold that I saw on the garage ceiling.

If you're concerned, it’s a good idea to clarify with your lender or shop around for one with more lenient requirements.