The offer was accepted, and we closed on the property three weeks ago.1031: $1.87 Margin: $3.33mmTotal: $5.2mmQuestion:The margin loan is attached to a larger investment account ($20mm+), so we have breathing room, should there be a call for margin.

Literally every single other property we have ever rehabbed or built gets staged.Staging, in conjunction with a (most likely necessary) significant price drop to account for the missing basement (which seems to be on the top of almost every Chicago and surrounding area buyers wish list)--and perhaps consider a new Realtor (not sure when your contract expires but if she's telling you to price this way, and advising against staging, I'd be wary)--should do the trick.In the meantime, some deep breaths and patience will help get you through.

So slow down, take a deep breath, look at the numbers and be realistic in your pro formas, network with some local investors and look at all of your options.

Do I need to suck it up and pay 20% like investors are expected to, and breathe easy knowing I am not over-leveraging myself, and not wasting money on MIP?

*breathes sigh of relief*.

Like @Paul De Luca said, a good agent will be well versed in terminology, understand the due diligence process, proficient in underwriting, be knowledgeable about local laws/ordinances that affect real estate investments, have transaction experience and must NOT reek of "commission breath," meaning...don't be focused on your commission. 

I physically went to L&I a few times in the beginning of this year (gross place....i had to practice some deep yoga breathing techniques not to lose my cool with the people who work there) to clear up some issues which had delayed the permit application. 

Over time your entity becomes seasoned and it becomes a living almost breathing machine.  

Several recommendations:First and foremost - BREATHE! 

My feeling is that Mom and Pop breathe the home, while larger may have greater access to booking tools?