The deals not going to get better because of the questions you ask, but we look for three main things from an investor: 1) Liquitity/Financial Assets, 2) A good credit score, and 3, and this is a big one, Experience.

This is common in California  Thanks for the reply.

This affords you the ability to choose the right fit for your project. 

Your reading of that section isn't exactly what I would take away.

.✅ Start demo—this means ripping out finishes (cabinets, flooring, tile, trim), not knocking down walls unless absolutely necessary.✅ Clear the site—haul off junk, trim trees, and clean up the yard so you can actually see what you’re working with.Get this step right, and everything else will go a lot smoother.

I would still use a Hard Money Lender for something like this - some have a minimum but you may just have to search for a bit and find one that doesnt.

I think it's fair to say it's beyond normal wear and tear, but I'm not sure how much is fair to say "I'm going to have to deal with this somehow, and because of the scratches I'm deducting x." 

This day in age just a simple phone number exchange is how I do business. 

With one deal under your belt, financing may also be easier this time.

As you read these books, watch the BiggerPockets podcasts.