I doubt you will get someone to give you the deed under this scenario though.   

I doubt the seller will willingly share them. 

But I doubt it would come to that.

I highly doubt a landlord in CA would put that on your credit report unless you OR YOUR BROTHER, was delinquent.Just so you know, hard money lenders don't lend to owner occupants.

When in doubt - pause.

Use cement backer board.You can probably resurface the tub instead of replacing it (hopefully).

Although the 203k factors in a contingency fund, you will almost without a doubt end up wanting or having to do unforeseen repairs.Lastly, a $300k renovation is a pretty sizeable project.

Good luck, and whenever in doubt lean on caution and the voice of experience.

I am going into this head first since I have been instructed to get the deal and the rest will follow, but the seller is out of state and I want to make an offer, but I have doubts that the offer is a good one although the numbers work for me!

But, I doubt you'll get much interest from the banks unless you put a large down payment into the deal to minimize their risk.