Once inflation fears subside (I think the inflation is temporary and will be offset by lower spending as the government money dries up) and more investment opportunities open up, we will stop seeing the crazy rise in housing prices. 

(I think that’s a better metric as it tells you if inventory is increasing or decreasing.)

Can I somehow take advantage of the “simultaneous issue rate” to decrease the price of the Lender’s Title Insurance even though the seller is the one paying of the owner’s title policy?

Go farther back (a year or 2 or even 3 or 4 then adjust by median price increase (or decrease) for the area during that time period). 3.

Or, to give yourself some wiggle room on the turnaround time for renovations, a longer term at a lower interest rate but with a pre-payment penalty that decreases each year.

They may like the idea of decreasing their tax burden and receiving some passive income via interest. 

Done right that should decrease your living expenses and allow you to save more quickly for your next place. 

As we move into winter there has been an uptick in foreclosures but there has also been a decrease in overall supply so I've yet to see a loosening of the market for investors.

I see people needing temporary housing for their new construction house being built, folks moving here and then wanting to buy and don't want to wait a year...

If you buy in a location where prices and rents are increasing below the inflation rate, your only option will be to decrease your standard of living over time.