Be sure to pay attention to anticipated ARV and max LTV on the refinance, as well as seasoning requirements - this is where I usually see people run into problems.

Interested in getting some extra income with converting the extra space in the basement into a rentable unit.Basements in a one-family home can be lawfully rented only if the following conditions are met:Compliance with the Housing Maintenance Code for minimum room size.There is a minimum ceiling height of 7 ft.The walls, as high as ground level, must be damp- and water-proofed if HPD determines that subsoil conditions on the lot require it.The basement is occupied by one family and does not include boarders.Every room must have at least one window.The bottom of any yard or other required open space cannot be higher than six inches below the window sill of any required window in the room.

Ask your lender about their recast requirements (payment amount and frequency).

I understand credit enhancements and additional guarantors are sometimes required but to be unable to cover escrow funds and to give away deal ownership for that service is kind of crazy but back to the main point, the real issue is when the Co-GP is not truthful about their true role or embellishes their portfolio/ unit count. 

Here is some key information:Property recently hit the market and has 2 cash offers alreadyThe seller provided a pre-inspection report, which I shared with 2 different lenders, both think it may fail conventional financing due to potential structural and electrical issues (realtor thinks it could pass conventional)Seller has 100% equity but is behind on other payments (not sure of the urgency money is needed)This is my first attempt at an “investment” property so I’m new to thisI see 3 optionsMove forward with an offer using conventional loan pre-qualification-Not as attractive of an offer to the seller-Possibility that appraiser calls out structural/electrical issues that need to be fixed before closing, effectively causing financing to fail- Best terms and fewest loan fees for meUse a rehab style loan such as ChoiceRenovation-Even less attractive than a conventional offer to seller, but less risk of failed financing if appraiser calls out issues-Slightly worse fees and interest rates compared to conventional-Lenders tell me possibly up to 60-90 days closing in some cases, with red-tape for contractor requirements and draw schedules (sounds like the most hoops to jump through during rehab)Use a hard money lender-Most attractive loan option I can give to seller so I can compete-Much higher fees and interest rate for me-need to refinance into a conventional at the end of rehab (not familiar with seasoning periods but I think this is a factor as well)Which option would you do?

So for me the decision was pretty straightforward, but it still required a lot of thought.It’s not easy out there these days folks, best of luck!

Some of your requirements come across harsh.

It’s also worth verifying if Beaumont and Port Arthur have any specific contractor registration or insurance requirements, as local compliance can sometimes impact project timelines. 

"I think we all agree that being fully transparent is beneficial to real estate investing"....Let's try LEGALLY REQUIRED. 

Meritocracy...require a minimum vote ratio to post.