I realize that everyone is going to have different input and advice based off of their experiences, but I'm looking for assistance as to whether something I'm including is a definite NO NO, or if something should be added in for increased impact. 

The finishing panels that go on the ends of the on-the-shelf are horribly cheap, the buildup is too thin and the self-adhesive is a joke.Considering the price difference, I won't go the off-the-shelf again unless we're talking some tiny section of counter that needs to be added, an island, etc.

The key is that 2 year work history that you'll need to establish.In certain circumstances you can use the income before you even receive your first paystub (certain relocation and job change scenarios), however typically you'll need to receive atleast 1 paystub to use it.If you have had no work within the last 12 months preceeding this new job then you may need to be on this job for a min of 6 months before you can close on this new loan which would hamper your plans to close within 45 days on this duplex.Then again scenario #3 if you have the credit and the down payment and the property cash flows from conventional underwriting perspective and you have "no credit card debts," on your credit report then you may be able to qualify any way since your debt to income or DTI will be 0% (property cash flows) no debt outstanding to qualify for as the duplex will be adding income to your scenario.I've had an underwriter okay scenario #3 above but have never funded a deal like.

I can be able to fund you before then but before we proceed further i need you to understand that there is a $650 fee attach to the loan and that this fee will be paid upfront and cannot be added or deducted from the loan amount....If you fee uncomfortable because of this fee then i cannot be able to continue....Let me know if we are to proceed or not"

Also, keep in mind the funding fee that will be added to the loan when running your numbers.

The master bed will have 8' ceilings as will be adding this room to the existing structure but the existing 3 bedrooms will not be able to raise ceiling heights. 

Tell them that it's been replaced X amount of times and you're going to repair it again but if it's damaged it will be added to that months rent to repair it.

The following are some of the numbers on the home:Asking Price: $325,000Tax Lien: $66,600Renovation: $50,000ARV: $480,000Rental IncomeUnit 1: $1,650(Unit I will be living in)Unit 2: $1,650Unit 3: $1,100Unit 4(Unit to be added in the basement): $950Total Rent: $5,350Taxes: $11,600I think that most likely, I will have to pay cash for the lien before we can go forward with the FHA loan on the actual purchase price and rehab of the home.

Sorry the rehab's going a bit long, but yes, you should be adding equity.

If you would like to be added to my investor data base I would like to hear from you.