Naturally a month after the exchange expired, I found a decent property I am closing on now.  

Understand, most brokers are getting only 10-30% of the commission to their firms, which is just the nature of the business these days.

What type of budget should be set for a job of this nature?

No - maybe a hair less to make it stand out, but you wouldn't leave money on the table just because you've perfected your business.Consider also that money shouldn't be your only concern - time and quality are important too.

The Behr  khaki might have been a hair darker than the spec home walls, but the other two looked dead on.  

Specifically, Water, heat, electric, garbage or any other bill of that nature? 

Does anyone have any experience with or any advice on how the basement nature will change the cost?  

I met an investor locally who owns a condo in Nature's Hideaway and he became president there even though he doesn't live in the association.

So naturally I start trying to look in to owner info.

well assuming it meets the QM rules for owner occ.. etc.the scenario you presented is not a very attractive note unless the discount was HUGEPV is what investor look at.... what rate of return they want and in notes its usually 8 to 12% APR but with 100% leverage most investors will only pay on face value about 60 to 70% LTV ... so right off the top you would be taking a substantial hair cut.No secret what your trying to do.. but I surmise you will very quickly realize its not realistic .. the discount would be such that it makes it a no go.If your thinking someone will lock up their money for 10 years at 5% well thats not going to happen especially at 100% LTV...