There's absolutely no way I would pay a significant fee that was not contingent on performance of my due diligence.What would stop an unscrupulous seller with a property having a known major defect from dangling that stinker out in the market, attracting some unsuspecting and hapless would-be buyer, and then collecting easy, non-refundable money from them?

The FNMA product used to be a no-brainer because of the rates, but now you can get a 30-yr fixed rate, 30-yr amortization in an LLC.

This is a separate loan product from conventional (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans). 

A liquid additive like the following might be just the ticket:https://www.homedepot.com/p/Custom-Building-Products-StainBlocker-32-oz-Stain-Resisting-Admixture-Additive-for-Grout-SBG32/202525433 If you're looking for an off-white grout, I would feel confident recommending either Antique White or Bone with the above liquid additive.

The 'new' debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) driven products are more attractive, though, IMHO. 30-yr fixed rate, 30-yr term, rates in the 4s (right there / better than banks) and no debt to income ratio BS.

Sound barrier performance is based on density of the product. 

There aren’t many cases where you can choose which product to use and have them both make sense.

These local prices are running up quickly, so "deals" are a lot harder to find.If you're having a good experience so far with this house, you might want to look into the FHA 203k loan product for your next project (if you haven't already). 

By buying the duplex with an FHA or other similar low down payment product that can keep your capital to buy an investment property.

The different financing products can make or break the deal.