When I asked about the higher price and why they did not ask for approval, I was told this "Typically for these types of items a further approval is not warranted and our maintenance workers were given the okay to complete as necessary so not to waste time, and we were still able to keep it close to the original estimate."

If the seller has other possible offers, there's no reason why they would wait until spring to close.If the tank is near the end of its useful life, or there are signs of issues, then that might warrant testing.

There are no provisions in the lease that warrant this - may have my answer in that statement. :-)Thank you 

There are bad people out there looking for business every day.Ask for references and check them out.Ask in a group like this for people to PM if you have had bad experiences.Ask for licensing and insurance.Document everything and use proper contracts and if the connection warrants consult an attorney.And by the way, as I am very visible in KC, many people will drop by name as a way of validating themselves, check with me first. 

I am looking to do cash out refinance on these non warrantables condo to buy more properties but I am having a  difficulty in  finding  lenders who can do that as I have high D/E ratio ( due to high number of financed properties ).

The second appraisal prior to renovations is to ensure that the ARV following renovations warrants the money being asked for to do the renovations. 

I recently learned that the condo I'm looking to buy in Hampton, VA is non-warrantable due to the number of non-owner occupants and financing the condo may require 30% down.

After 6 years some paint (not the whole house) is probably warranted; hallways and entrance ways get chipped up and rough looking.

@Tarcizio Goncalves I see nothing of value here that warrants a sharing of ownership, if that's what your agent is suggesting.

Unfortunately, the prices in the city are a little high ($275,000 - $350,000 for 3 bedroom 2+ bath), based on my analysis (using the tools from BP) to warrant purchase - with a low money down purchase with where rental prices are ($2,300 - $2,600).Does anyone have any suggestions on locations to check out?