If they do, then to close on time you and the seller are very quickly going to have to agree to whatever the lender wants in exchange for being willing to doing an escrow holdback at all, which fancy language aside is basically ransom money in an amount greater than the estimated completion cost, to be released once it's complete (ransoms only work if the thing held ransom is worth more than the thing you want).

I agree with @Eric A. for sure about making sure to keep some extra reserves on hand and factor in a monthly maintenance allocation. unless you're already doing that of course, just wasn't clear.

Yup, I agree that clear communication is key. 

Yes agreed all your expenses are half what they should be .

I agree, improve it now as if you were planning on selling.

@Justin Aguaze thanks for the advice and i agree wholeheartedly.

@Phillip Williams Agreed that it takes a team to fully trust whether you're in Hawaii or any out of state market.

I agree with @Andrew B.The best advice often heard is to start with a House Hack.

It’s whatever you agree on, but I’d be ready for things or circumstances to change in the seller’s mind over that long of a period, especially it the property appreciates significantly above your price.

I agree fully with the other fellows who say NO on East Cleveland.