I'm a licenced Broker and I also handle project management for flippers, contractors, etc.FEMA 50% Rule: ALL of the homes that exist in a Flood Zone have a 50% limit on work that can be done to repair them without bringing them into compliance with current flood standards.

There are exceptions - some properties are set up such that installing a few electric baseboard heaters might be possible to save on the gas bill - but i would still just shy away if not metered separately at the outset.  10) do shop for a lender and compare (usually pretty standard but there can be some fluctuation) - dont fall for the ones that sound too good to be true - there are gimmicks out there - big bank or reputable broker should do you fine.  

This is pretty standard and should be in there, unless you went with non-standard docs

He's very thorough with this standard inspections and he also offers "investor due diligence" inspections at a reduced rate.

In general, most Mexicans are great, honest and decent people, in spite of their lower standard of living.

You could setup something where the fees are deferred until you secure the construction loan and then pay them 1.5-2x their standard fee if they waited the 6-18 months to get paid.

Have you paid their standard fee (or beat them up to lessen it further) or a premium to cut the line when updates or revisions are needed?

What are some standard process or contracts needed before the partnership to make sure both parties are protected?

Anyone saying that against you think there needs to be some invisible standard of requirement. 

I haven't found a good deal on the KitchenAid unit that is the standard but at $90, this might be worth a shot.