At the very least, I feel like the seller should not expect 8-10% financing when an owner-occupant with excellent credit could command 3.5% on an FHA loan for a habitable property.Come to think of it, that would also explain why the property is priced below-market so severely- they may be looking for tenants who don't have better options and who aren't going to call the city inspector's office. 

Also, it would be vital to what products and schemes are popular at the current moment among investors.

You'll have access to good deals that conventional financing won't cover (some weird rules for habitability, like needs flooring, oven, etc., to close on conventional loan).  

You'll also be able to see what the expected finishes in the area are, which will give you a leg up, if you are estimating rehab costs.Accurate CMA's are vital to determining your ARV. 

If you start paying bills slowly, you need to change your buying habits. 

Not saying you're wrong, just that you might want to verify your numbers and do some reference checks on the builders (ensure they don't have a habit of over-running budgets).-  The $60-65/sf that we're building in Atlanta is for mid-grade finishes. 

Great to see advice extending beyond RE, and into sensible personal finance habits.

Agents do not make it a habit to stay up to date, they have the tendency to think what they know is enough and if it was anything really important they would have heard about it.

Since it seems that we have had to follow up on everything (a good habit, we think), including the finalized HUD, what other important documents, etc. should we make sure that we have on hand?

Well it just went back on the market so I put a call in.Price - $600K plus an estimated $400K to make habitable.