For kitchen cabinets, depending on the style, new hardware can do a lot. 

You may want to consider restructuring some of the costs to offset this expense, for example going to a lower grade kitchen cabinet and putting on some nicer hardware.  

Hitting them in the wallet should motivate them to accommodate your inspection. 

Unemployment is an example of temporary, and alimony paid in physical hundred dollar bills going directly into your wallet/purse is an example of "might be real, but can't be verified."

Prime, paint, and add some nice hardware.

I'm sure they're available at Home Depot, Lowes, or other hardware stores.

We've changed our focus and will now be tightening our wallets and putting away cash. 

Paint, fixtures, hardware, etc.Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Once they saw that and it started making sense they were more willing to opening their wallet.

In fact I know people who buy into situations where they break even in hopes of attaining future appreciation returns.Here's my main doubt, it's hard enough to manage finances when your wallet is tight (assuming yours is) in the transitional period of obtaining a property.