Personally I look for an agent that understands the different requirements of investing as opposed to home purchasing. 

If this is a single family house and you intend on leasing the home as a single family house and there are no active violations on the property, I don't foresee any issues with this being a 2 bedroom home as opposed to its previous layout.

Working with an independent broker who is your advocate as opposed to the company's advocate is a huge advantage, especially when it comes to claims situations. 

My Lend2Live website is for passive capital investors and private lenders as opposed to being borrower focused! 

I self manage so not sure how much if any you could save on management fees by having 2 properties as opposed to 4.

I am opposed to renting it when renovations are done because I'll lose money every month between what renter gives me and what mortgage is.

If you're going to swing for the fences and try for anything above 20-25%, you're going to have to make a strong case that you'll be putting more money in their pocket as opposed to a manager who charges less.

I am looking to a flip this year as opposed to buying and holding.

(If the concessions actually exceed your costs as opposed to the concessions exceed this lender’s limits.)

If you and the property qualify for traditional financing, you'll always be able to get a better deal as opposed to private money.