Make sure you always get a estoppel letter prior to closing on your next property.

I had put in the MDF cabinets because the wife liked the look and that was prior to any decision to turn it into a rental.

I think we can all agree that the potential risks involved are something to consider prior to selling a property using seller finance.  

My loan officer mentioned that the title company had the complete package four days before the closing, and my cash-to-close amount was confirmed three days prior to the closing date.

If you ever find yourself under contract on another property with an FPE panel, I'd recommend having the seller replace it prior to closing as it's a well known and documented safety issue; textbook inspection objection item.  

As I mentioned in my original post, this is one of the two main risks you run when buying a property pre-construction when the project isn't fully pre-sold prior to your purchase.On a more general note, 300k is expensive for a 2bed2bath and won't give you the best ROI.

Water bills come in once every 3 months and I give tenants ample notice prior to updating their accounts with the water bill charge.

For this time you'll have to see if they bring the deposit to you prior to the lease commencement.

- and if so, should the cost seg be on the condition of the property prior to rehab or post rehab?

I worked with an investor who is also an agent prior to purchase.