I preferred the DEFINITE money to the MAYBE money, even if it meant I might have left money on the table (not all storm warnings result in a storm).

So yes, back to the table & more prayers for guidance as to which house is meant for us next.

As a novice investor I don't bring anything to the table.

Unfortunately I left about $2000 in inspections/fees etc on the table, but they are negligible in the scope of things.

The only thing we can bring to the table is capital.

At the closing table they will provide the funds to the seller/owner of the home.If you are getting rehab funding, they might provide you the funds directly but I would like to believe that the funds would be placed in an escrow account and paid directly to the GC or you should you need reimbursment for fronting the rehab costs upfront.

Avoid operation of a private or commercial golf course, country club, massage parlor, hot tub facility, suntan facility, racetrack, gambling establishment, or a store whose principal business is the sale of alcohol for consumption off premises.The 4th requirement is of particular importance with regard to the real estate company in your hypothetical. 

Your best bet is to get a seat at the table with the actual owner and negotiate. 

He is bringing nothing to the table but his dream.

We plan on house hacking the bottom unit while we do the repairs and within the next year or so, purchasing another multi-family property to wash, rinse & repeat.Financing was done through Navy Federal Credit Union, where we were able to put down 15% on a 30yr conventional @ 4.5% interest rate - with closing costs, we're looking bringing ~15k cash to the table.