Remember, though, that if you buy for less than the full amount, the former owner can redeem for what you paid plus additional accrued interest.

Don't know Ga laws, in Fl the HOA survives along with dues accruing after the lien.

Thats great however if your loan for 6 months is at say 7% then you would accrue 1050 in simple interest which would be due (along with the principal) at the end of 6 months.  

This is not at all the same as using Roth IRA capital to invest in real estate and have the earnings accrue tax-free under the umbrella of the Roth IRA.

It sinks to pay more money to the government, especially since you already paid taxes on the money once, however if you believe it will allow you to accrue additional properties, and you can stand the pain, it will be well worth it.

Out of curiosity: Why does a lender care?  

Just out of curiosity, what has the time commitment been and how long did it take before you closed your first deal?

The fines are per missing 1099 and accrue interest since the date it was due.Mostly obviously, the contractor is requesting cash because they are most likely trying to do it off the books to save taxes, and hopefully giving you a discount. 

This is the actual wording in the PM contract;OWNER agrees to indemnify, defend and hold AGENT harmless from any and all claims, investigation, lawsuits, actions, causes of actions, demands, rights, damages, costs, loss, expense and compensation whatsoever, presently existing or which may hereinafter accrue on account of or in any way grow out of any and all known and unknown, foreseen and unforeseen injury or damage, loss cost and expense, and the consequences thereof, resulting or to result from the condition of the PREMISES, conduct or inaction which arose or might arise on PREMISES, repairs and maintenance conducted on the PREMISES, and the management and leasing, whether occurring during the term of this AGREEMENT or after its termination.

Out of curiosity, did you have anything figured for interior design in your cost estimates?