I'd say pay off debt slowly, save for down payment, then jump when the deal comes around.After you're in it, you can knock out your debt while you pay less in rent

There are very specific rules/laws/guidelines and the auctions are dominated by some very successful and coordinated groups of bidders who work together to knock out competition from newbies.

they have nothing to add, they are hired to run subs to knock out work, period.

Our thoughts are to finish the full basement and add a bathroom there, knock out the wall leading to the kitchen to insert a breakfast bar, replace carpeting, repaint, and take off the siding and replace with brick or granite for an exquisite finish.

I already have received pre-approval for funding from a bank, but what other items can I knock out to make closing in the future easier?

That triangular knockout by the ramp is where someone left the the hitch mounted to the frame.  

I think they may end up costing the same amount to finish due to the fact that I would have to knock out a wall to add a separate outside entrance and a few other things for the apartment. 

By August 2021, my goal is to have $800 in cash flow and I'll still be working full time so by then I'll be able to comfortably knock out that final 9K (the interest will definitely stack up so I'll probably make payments here and there prior to 8/2021 because I hate paying interest!).

If you'd be stretching it to make a down payment and keep up on monthly minimums, do yourself a favor and knock out that debt first. 

Afterwards it was proposed by the seller that his contractor would bring in a crew and knock out the "to do list" in half a day.