Also, most structural approvals ask for a signed letter or document from neighbors to the left and right of you of them agreeing to those modifications.

I have seen quite a few SFH in our area placed in such converted homes; you would have to build in the upfit costs into the loan, but if the property is in overall good shape, a few cosmetic and ADA compliance touch-ups, with some interior modifications (mostly plumbing) could work. 

I should mention they have pets and there has been some damage and they have made some unauthorized modifications as well.  

When I was in the business, Love and Associates in Boulder was the gold standard for flood plain modeling and modification.

How difficult is the new construction process versus a moderate renovation (ie: some infrastructure and/or structural modifications)?

Tenant agrees to not do painting, wallpapering or structural modifications to the premises.

There can be a lot of hiccups along the way to approval depending on the seller's situation like if they have tried loan modification or not in the past.

Was this something the borrower has already paid the note holder, perhaps as part of a loan modification? 

Electricity has a low conversion factor to BTU heat, meaning there's a ton of wasted power, and that's why it is expensive for whole home heating.Gas however has a high BTU output and is typically 1/2 to 1/3 the cost of electric.Apparently there are significant regional preferences and expectation, aka the Atlanta comment above.When making modifications or upgrades, I always use the guideline "Would I choose this for myself?"

Just let me deal with this, thats the way it is, etc. sound like when your mom tells you "because I said so" and is completely worthless to me.Assuming that because I am younger and don't have a law degree I am not smart, can't understand, don't need good answers, or can't figure out if they are blowing smoke, etc.A general lack of professionalism; not following up with something discussed in a meeting, handing me a generic document without minor modifications for the situation, gross typos, poor response times, etc.The biggest needs are the opposite of 1-3Here are two real life examples to demonstrate what I am talking about:I had a meeting to set up a company and we discussed what the firm would handle and where I needed to follow up.