Just like you would want someone else to be upright with you, your loan originator deserves the same.

A few years down the line, I may be able to pick up additional investment properties with some cash saved up, right now, I'm looking at primary residence mortgage with zero money down. 

As far as the SFR goes, seems like prices are up right now to where there isn't much to have that positive cash flow that we all want.

I would have the 15k the seller gave me plus my lets say 5k that I put up for the rest of the down payment plus closing costs and I would have the 10% of the renovation costs I'd have to put up, right?

As I mentioned I’m looking to buy my first property within 9-12 months, mainly because my wife and I have around $15K saved up right now and will probably have around $25K (or more) by next year.

Now is the time to set yourself up right.

Appliances not hooked up right, guttering not ran correctly...these things are frustrating but hardly a reason to close up shop and sell.

@Brandon Upright @Ellen Hearsey- My experience only.

As for the rest of your questions, without drilling down to deep into the details which I am not sure this is the forum for, the processes are quite simple actually once set up right. 

Personal Name too risky in this day and age and state of practically 'martial' law:https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2016/01/2...the guy got a WARRANT OUT FOR HIS ARREST just for narrow patch of lawn that was left uncut!