Are there too many variables involved in a failed closing to constitute that factor in my analysis as a bad sign?

You need to figure out what constitutes the type of property you want and convey that clearly to them. 

A flip constitutes Materially making changes to the property.

After you know your why, work backwards to establish short-term and long-term goals to help you accomplish your why.Understand what to you constitutes a great deal.

Doing otherwise is playing with fire as I am pretty sure it constitutes mortgage fraud.

But there are ways this risk can be mitigated, through the perspective of estate and trust planning.This is in no way constitute specific legal advice to you, but just my opinion on the topic. 

What constitutes a rental vs. a 2nd home for tax purposes?

With that being said, what I’ve seen across the board is 1/3-1/2 of the project cost upfront for small to medium renovations. 1/2 up front would constitute the other half upon completion. 1/3 upfront usually requires another 1/3 at the halfway point.

Acts constituting a principal vocation include any of the following:(a) Engaging in more than 5 real estate sales in any 12-month period.

Constitutional rights being violated all over this crazy state....when will someone stand up to it!!???