I found a lender who has a recourse and a nonrecourse loan available.Recourse - 70% LTV, 6.75% interest, 2.75% origination feeNonrecourse - 65% LTV, 7.75%,interest, 2.75% origination feeEither way, I'm not planning to default on my loans but I guess I'm debating whether it's worth the extra percentage in interest and a lower LTV just to have that extra piece of mind.  

Since you have the construction experience and your wife's design sense you already have a big piece of the puzzle covered.  

@Wayne Brooks - in Boston, you can get a simple permit for something non-structural (which an exterior deck would be) without needing to submit any plans@Georges Arnaout - if the permit for the deck is not in your window (piece of paper with a B as a watermark, then you may have an issue).  

It hasn't fallen on def ears. 

You have to buy the 12' pieces and cut them to whatever your soffit overhang requires.

Being an open form you're going to find bits and pieces that you agree with.

Learn which neighborhoods command a premium and which will have discounted prices.As another piece of advice for a new wholesaler, I would also recommend being able to at least ballpark rehab/renovation costs.

@Eduardo Suarez  Gather local info on the house and filter it to the buyer.I would quickly consume and drown yourself in every piece of real estate related information.  

Finding local investor friendly agents, lenders etc is a critical piece in developing you RE business.

Other options is cutting someone else in on this deal, ever thought of giving the contractor doing the work a piece of equity in the property in liue of a cash payment?