For my rehabs, I pull owner builder permits where needed even for work done by licensed contractors.My jurisdiction does not require permits for cabinets, counters, or flooring replacement.  

Can you arrange for counters, floors, painting other “basics” without him tacking on his 20%?

However, you must take care of the reason why it's happening.  9 times out of 10, it's a leaky pipe behind the wall or a humidity issue.

At that point, the clock will restart by 5 minutes after every counter bid, until the bidding stops.With mortgage foreclosures you'll want to guarantee that the property is vacant to avoid going through a messy eviction battle.  

Originally posted for 100k over what the purchase price was I submitted an low offer and received a counter.

Extreme large format tiles, Quartzite/quartz counters.

Now knowing my MAO, if they counter, I just look to that MAO, does the deal still make sense? 

Updating pipes, electrical boxes, roofs, appliances, etc.

The Seller has 3 choices; Accept, Reject, or Counter. 

, do I accept the counter?