They were strongly considering one with the lowest down payment and the highest interest rate based on the "I can refinance this when rates go down theory". 

If the redeeming party failed to pay the money into court when they filed the lawsuit, then the one year did not stop ticking down and now they can't redeem.

Also as a new agent you NEED to get your systems down now.

I don't really expect the property to cash flow, I realize that it's an expensive place to operate a STR and that on-island management is necessary by Hawaii law, but I'd like to be able to cover most of my mortgage and expenses after putting 30-40% down.

If I’m able to get an offer accepted at below 150, say 130 or 140, and put 20% down, would I be able to pull my money out of it @ the 80% after the appraisal?

Credit locks are pretty worthless, do it to slow down future problems.

Sometimes it will go down and sometimes it goes up but in either case, the Tenants are expected to pay their portion of the expenses for the property.

A Heloc is a good tool for doing renovations or repairs but not for down payments.Especially now that rates are higher on HELOCs versus a simple cash out refinance.

What are the market rents for the property and do you have $15000 for the down and $8000 for all the closing/title/settlement/new impounds?

I mean, can I ask them to always carry the pet in a carrier and not put them down on the carpet?