My son’s friend lives in Palenville and his parents were telling me how difficult it was for a dollar store to get permission to build there.

Is it permissible to flip a homepath property if it is purchased with cash or private lender funds?...

The photo belongs to his boss who gave me permission to use, no copyright worries. 

Unless it's the listing agent and they have written permission from the seller(s) stating  that they do not want to see offers below a certain offer price , all offers have to go the seller(s) and then it is up to the seller(s) to refuse or counter the offer.

Erecting For Sale signs on other people's property without permission is flat out wrong and quite possibly illegal in many locations. ...The act of placing such a sign resembles an activity that only licensed real estate agents are permitted to perform in many areas - listing a property for sale.

Then I would end by getting their permission to do this.IE  " with your permission of course I would be happy to refer someone who could help you would you like me to do that "  get them engaged and give them some control on the situation.

Their response: they have the owners permission to market them.

Also if you have already signed the contract with the seller and got permission to market on MLS, do you do anything to make the house more appealing, like a coat of paint etc???

Another RE agent found the property, I negotiated and put together the deal and we are doing a Joint Venture to share in profits when we sell.Used MQ 9 page contract and all of the documents provided in his coaching program like Permission to put for sale sign in yard, permission to put on lock box.  

I like to tell the owner who I am, what my business does, I let them know I make no promises, I wont put a property under contract until i know I have a buyer, but i do have full permission to market their property.