I initially planned on using  the closet comp and shaving 10% off the ARV for the fact it was on a busier road and not in a neighborhood. .

Most will shave a percent off when representing both buyer and seller though.  

property manager, preferably available before you actually own the place.In any case, during the process of trying to get financing be prepared for a fairly bumpy ride, including your employer(s) having to provide various information, visits to the consulate (time & fees!)

These houses are coming on the market at what I consider good prices, no deep discounts.Prices are still going up in a few areas but for the most part, people are starting to shave something off of the asking price or paying closing costs.  

As @Kenny Lee and @Thomas S. have advised, connect with a financial planner (fee-only... can't insist this enough) to (A) understand your options, (B) why they are important and (C) how they apply in your case. 

I think I paid $0.45 per sf last time as compared to around $0.25 sf for foam.

Closed cell spray foam has a built in vapor barrier.  

Currenly the house is a 4/2/2 with a steep roof that is foamed.

So far only 6's have been signed.

It is also where you can keep your contract punch list of (1) what you must do with dates, and (2) what the other parties must do with dates.These who must do what by what date notes are typically drawn up by the signatories before signing to make sure the legal teams(s) have not donked up the wording and put you or the other guy into a problematical hole that neither of you intended.