MBA is the Mortgage Banker Association if you are not familiar.

This approach will help minimize the potential financial risks associated with renovations and working with contractors.

The true premise is you Hate Trump, you hate Elon because of his association to Trump, and thus you hate anything and everything they do.

If in the rare chance they do allow short term rentals in the HOA rules/regulations and association documents, don't be surprised if they change that ruling after you buy. 

What are fees associated with the Qualified Intermediary holding onto this money?

A great way to start is by attending RE events and joining a local investors association.

So most agents are only putting about half of that $12k in their pocket, and out of that $6k they have to cover all of their operating expenses: licensing fees, MLS/ Realtor Association fees, continuing education classes to stay compliant with licensing requirements, monthly "desk" fees/ technology fees to their brokerage, health insurance for themselves and their family, errors and omissions insurance (required), marketing, car, car insurance, gas, clothes, computer/ software, cell phone, closing gifts, signs, photography, staging if they offer that, etc.

In terms of the down payment, that 75,000 includes all of the additional fees and associated costs and such as well.

Cannot control association fees3.

**NAHB Contracts**: The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) offers a variety of detailed and standardized legal templates specifically designed for the residential construction industry2.