With actual cash, you just transfer it. yes, but you can still bid with lender approval - without appraisal contingency - you send in deal (app), it gets approved by lender its functionally the same as cash (except in true lightning speed situations where there is a quick auction with little time to prep but thats generally pretty rare I'd think)Right, but that's not cash or functionally the same as cash because the lender can change the terms at the last minute, as often happens with less experienced hard money lenders.

To determine price range, the first step is always figuring our how much you are pre-approved for; and that can vary significantly when you are looking at multi-unit properties because of the additional variable of rental income that can be included in qualifying.

Quote from @Aaron Zimmerman: I would look for other ways to legally reduce income such as cost segregation studies.

That would mean there is an approved site plan that includes roads, water, sewer, storm water, curb, gutter and any required buffers.

The primary risks at this point would be       1) to your lender, the risk of a margin call.       2) To you; underestimating the true cost of a project and cost overruns      3) To you; legal risk of securities regulations if you partner looses money. 

@Sang Kim- thanks for clarifying you are trying to get a commercial loan ...this is a  completely different product than a home loan ...You still should be able to  locate and obtain a good commercial loan  without  having to pay any fees upfront  ( other than possibly paying for the appraisal after the  loan has been  approved )

If you buy it too low, in some jurisdictions they will call it "equity skimming" which is illegal.It can be very profitable, I've done many, but you really need to know what you are doing. on pre foreclosures on the West coast if you happen to do them legally .. the old owner is due 80% of the profit if you sell within 36 months.. so there is that.. but if your buying pre foreclosure for long term hold and wait out the 36 months then your fine. the reality these days is post GFC lenders/ banks/ servicers have realize that working with the buyer to reinstate recast redo the loans is far better than taking it all the way to foreclosure so your correct its usually the worse houses that make it all the way to the end and go to sale.thats why if you follow NODs  Notice of defaults or whatever they are call in your state. you see so many postponements and or removed or paid off etc.. so you hone in on one property do all this work only to have it not go  to sale  rarely are you going to buy a home that you really want LOL

Legal Implications & Ramifications : As an example; the iconic PCH homes in Malibu and many in the upper foothills might not permitted to build back, certainly not to the same extent or materials.

I know for myself and other investors they have had situations where someone in the building department says something verbally but then when you go to get the permits or approval things have changed.

No problem with down payment but will need conventional load which is not a problem as I have been pre approved many times just did not find right property.