As I prepare to invest, I have the Pro membership, I watch endless videos and listen to every BP podcast, I've bought the books, etc, etc."

There are other loan programs you may qualify for.

We have been using the contact info listed on 21st Mortgage Cash Program's "resources" page. https://www.21stcommunitylendi...My question is this - does anyone have a ballpark idea of pricing from the factories vs. what our local dealers advertise?

There have been Federal and State programs for home owners out there for a over 20 Years. 

It seems you're covered on time so then it's a matter of ability to pay up front costs like MLS membership, NAR membership, some marketing costs, and miscellaneous office costs. 

@Francisco Alzuru I think a premium membership lets you advertise these kinds of things & help draw people to deals.

The wife is currently working with charities/governement programs to help them with the rent but there is no update yet.As of right now, the husband still has not been released from prison. 

There are all kinds of first-time buyer programs, and they should be able to get a much better interest rate than you can. 

There is a program to buy these dumps for a very small amount through the County because they want to get the houses fixed and on the tax rolls. 

They have a big portfolio of lenders and more than 4000 programs.