I was not able to receive a refund because I waited too late after purchasing to request one. 

I'm less concerned with maintenance requests and collecting rent and more concerned with acquisitions and growth. 

Sending you a connection request.

Federal programs will require you to use GC/licensed folks for a lot of the work and they will get reimbursed by the institution that your loan is with; many GCs don't want to wait on the float time of requesting funds and getting them.Depending on the program and rehab/condition of the home, you may not be required to live in the home (think black mold remediation...bank isn't going to put you in a compromised position) however they may have min/max of when you need to move in.

For example, some states the standard inspection period is 14 days, but you can request longer or shorter in the offer letter and if the seller agrees and signs, its binding.

So is the rider something I request before making an offer?

In some places you can request an oral presentation.

They used to, and would forward them to us upon request. 

Buyer can request Seller to fix stuff.

This notice should include the reasons for the denial or a statement informing you of your right to request those reasons within 60 days.