The bank developed the appraisal type, format, and dictated the parameters for the content for their own purpose and use.

The loan programs of your buyers will dictate how much of a credit you are allowed to apply to their closing but it certainly helps to move inventory when you offer an incentive. 

SFR prices are dictated by owner occupants, who are happy to overpay as a lifestyle decision.

Experience will dictate the amount of any LOC and rate and term. 

Appliances supplied mean better rents and a higher quality tenant.The location of the rental and the type of tenant you want will dictate what you supply.Finding a good supplier of new appliances will get your cost down to the point that used doesn't make sense.

Can I dictate the remitter listed on the check (LLC vs controller vs IRA) based on the needs of the transaction - my local bank would at least give me that much latitude - or is that determined by these banks?

There is no given answer here, because the whole property needs to be relatively consistent.Kitchens and baths are the common answer, but if they are passable and you choose to invest in them anyways at the expense of peeling paint (or off putting exterior color) and overgrown landscaping, the appraiser and tenant will be walking up with a bad taste in their mouth, thereby not valuing the interior work you have done.But think about the general flow of someone looking to rent: more bedrooms will typically dictate more rent.  

The financial requirements for each deal, is dictated by what's needed to move forward to the next step/deal. 

In true syndications, a sponsor shares all financials and will do a capital call if market conditions dictate more capital is needed.

@Joy McQuearyRecommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?