The person on title/name of the person on the mortgage can typically win if it is not done right. 

Do you mean you went online to look up options on consumer facing sites like Zillow etc?

You won't need to refinance when the project is complete because you'll already have a long term loan in place.Talk to a mortgage broker about the condition of the property. 

My question is do I pay taxes on that 355k boot although it was in the form of a mortgage?

However, Texas Eviction is telling me that since my loan is "federally backed" (my understanding is that this means that Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae owns my mortgage loan) that I have to post a 30-day notice instead of a 3-day notice.

Speaking of appraisals..Unless it is a very low LTV or unique program/borrower most lenders will require a third party assessment of valuation or appraisal prior to providing a mortgage.

We bought much of the furniture new, choosing premium quality for the main rooms, and supplemented with discount deals online or some lightly used items.

You want to invest just to have a place to live and potentially offsetting your mortgage payment by renting out the vacated rooms or having x amount of cashflow in the future?

Or do I only focus on the current mortgage payment?

Any chance for a vendor take back mortgage?