The lender almost always has one set fee for underwriting/processing, and then it's only third party fees like appraisal/credit report/title/escrow/notary signing/government recording, etc.  

You can theoretically be holding while not present, and should not face any risk of losing ownership - unless you are a foreign diplomat based in the US, or you have some sort of personal ties to the government of your home nation. 

Just a quick background:I'm originally from New Bedford, MA but moved to Virginia last year for a government job opportunity.

I ask by what part of the State government  or county .

What completely made me walk from even considering the Allentown boundaries was hearing the city rental inspectors (yes, there really are "non essential government employees") yammering on about the importance of having a LICENSED plumber change a water heater in your rental.... after you have paid your poundage to the city inspection department for a  PERMIT to change such water heater, and then have it INSPECTED for the purpose of a STICKER on the appliance.... all in the name of safety!

The 2008 financial crisis was caused by the Federal Reserve and government housing policies, not deregulation on Wall Street.

Never ever assume anything when dealing with government, the process from beginning to end could take months but may take years to accomplish, at this point you do not sound like you have completed enough due diligence to proceed.Night mares grow from poorly planed dreams.

Just remember-our government will pay if the paperwork lines up :-) so have plan B to resolve cash flow issues to pay your bills. 

THE best websites is the county government websites.

@Robert Gilstrap In my admittedly limited experience, Section 8 prospective tenants in Atlanta don't care about the asking price, since they will only have to pay what the government's formula says they can afford based on their income and family size.