Especially when the city charges us thousands of dollars for permits and inspections.

They charge a loan renewal fee in the $400 range.

The seconds reason is that the purchase is made without agent that usually charge 7% percent and this money is save to the seller. 

So even if the lender is going to keep it inhouse, they are not going to take on a risky loan without charging you some premium.Most likely the terms will change and will be that rate but a 5 yr or 7 yr ARM (30 yr amortization).

The major downside in my opinion is that if you paid $80K for the NPL and the home has a value of $150K, you will be charged by OSC for the $150K coverage. 

For Probate direct mailers should I be targeting the person who is put in charge of the estate?

Also providing basics like coffee, tea and water really help with perceived value thus you can charge a little extra as not all places offer that.

Tenants know the area they are looking in and if you try to charge too much they will pass on your property. 

When purchasing my new home (to live in) my realtor said i should charge 1200/month and my loan officer said he would charge 1000/month.

If there's no relative, then probate will likely be handled by public administrator and they'd be in charge of auctioning off the house.