There are ways to use loopholes but it has to be done correctly to avoid issues.If you can rent your current home and it cash flows simply do a cash out refinance pull out some cash and use it for a down payment.

At one point, I was even accused of being unprofessional simply for demanding answers.

They NEVER EVER cut the grass so the weeds are all over my backyard chain-link fence that divides our properties. 

This is especially important as deal flow picks up and competition increases—cutting corners on expense assumptions might win a deal, but it could lead to major headaches down the line.

The other option is simply charge them $X (equal to one month's rent for example) and if you find a new tenant sooner, then keep all of that money as it is a fee for breaking the lease vs the first where they are paying rent.

@Chris Martin Happy to connect you with my contact at Velur to learn more but they identify parcels adjacent to existing solar development (or residential, warehousing... different zoning options for diversification) and do the analysis on value, easements, zoning viability for development etc...they take their cut up front in the sale then when you get an offer for purchase down the road they help review the offer as well.

In my latest sale, even though I could have easily added the egress for a 3rd, my agent simply planted the suggestion for another bedroom in the ad. 

Let me know your thoughts below and if your team made the cut! 

With that said, does anyone have any additional tips on how to cut costs on materials when flipping? 

Unfortunately, you are likely going to have to take the hit on this no matter how you cut it.