You might reach out to John Fedro, a fellow BP'er who has extensive mobile home and Lonnie deal experience in Tampa.

How extensive is the work?

It looks like you have looked extensively at the reducing expenses area and might want to look at increasing income.

But a friend of mine is closing (maybe closed) on a house where they did extensive renovations.

Sometimes you can get an extension for an additional fee.

The truth is, the recent temporary extension of the payroll tax cut is being funded by a "small fee" tacked onto governemnt backed mortgages (30 years of extra fees for homebuyers from now on [and probably forever] to pay for a temporary - 6 months - payroll tax cut).

I know of a few refi changes and HARP extensions around year end, but check with your loan broker for definitive DU changes.

if your not allowed access to see how extensive the damage is you have to figure on total replacement of entire area.

For a flip you usually have to do more extensive rehab to sell to a retail buyer.The broker is going to go with the buyers who prove and show they have the ability to buy with the least amount of headache.

Flipping a home with an investment from 3 guys, 2 of which have extensive background in construction.