It looks like you have covered most of your bases. 

My limited knowledge was based on people being frustrated with trying to get foreign loans, and dealing with red tape. 

It'll be based on the specific property you're considering. 

The original lease has addendums (several pages) for Lead Poisoning Prevention Act and Disclosure of Info on Lead-Based Paint and Hazards. 

A lot are free.Yes you will need to remit taxes based on the regions rules.

Even 5 years ago I didn’t really know about Biggerpockets or the resources I could find on the internet.

If no financing I would use bigger pockets forum and seek out a GC based on the area.

Call your servicer to start the conversation, the terms are dictated by conventional loan guidelines so this will be what is applied:https://servicing-guide.fanniemae.com/svc/d1-1-01/evaluating...

I'm willing to pay for the service as I urgently need an attorney's help, but it seems like lawyers are not taking new cases easily.

Some owners want to purchase the materials directly and this can be a good idea in that they will be in direct privity with the supplier for warranty and post install service requirements where the GC may be hard to get back involved.