I think I can negotiate some of his prices down, and that will get me about 5-7K less, but that still leaves a substantial chunk of budget to get nailed down. 

You really hit the nail on the head with my current situation.

Where this usually gets you is either in prequal, OR they will nail you at appraisal. 

It is challenging right now to nail down costs without experience in doing deals, especially on large rehabs. 

Once there, they turn up the heat with very polished and professional "motivational speakers" who know how to work a crowd. 

Just to complicate things, I'm trying to convince him to sell me an option to buy Bravo, Charlie, and Delta all at once in the next few months while I get together more cash, but I'm afraid that ship may have sailed, along with the prices I haven't already nailed down.Please, HELP ME WITH THIS!

Right now investors in the 1-6, maybe 8 unit and the 150+ unit are fighting tooth and nail for deals and are battling for the last penny to be found.

I have hired an experienced 3rd party restoration company and so far (knock on wood) they have done a fantastic job communicating with the adjuster and getting the scope of work nailed down. 

Nails will be patched up and you will have to paint all the spots. 

Every tool and box of nails has its specific place.