Also a side note, for all the locks I have swapped I have put in non-locking handles to try and further reduce the likelihood of a lockout.

I just feel helpless as she stressing because her lease is up this month.

Basically, unless you’re a licensed real estate broker, you can’t help the borrower sell his property, unless you’re a licensed loan originator and or mortgage broker you can’t help the borrower negotiate a reduced payoff.

Reducing your monthly expenses is for sure possible, even in places like Bergen county. 

If I can't qualify for the loan on my own, I was thinking that I may be able to partner with someone, or maybe there is some way to use the existing equity in the property to reduce the down payment? 

One person might be taxed at 30% while another might be 47% in a higher bracket and higher tax state.The most common way to reduce tax liability from flipping houses is to refinance them and keep the flips as rentals.

No payment without being fully complete, or, you make a written change order that reduces the payment amount significantly for that draw while leaving out that which was not completed.

He is a licensed contractor with good reviews and referrals.The Owens Corning Platinum Roofing Contractor proposed $17.5k for the whole roof replacement with Owens Corning Duration material, 10 yr transferrable workmanship warranty, and transferrable Platinum protection limited warranty ( Lifetime of workmanship warranty with coverage reduced after 25 years based on the age of the roof).From an investor standpoint, what would add more value to the property?

If you plan on using it to build equity from cash flow/reduced housing expense and appreciation to sell (or cash out refi) into a larger deal, just map out that plan.

If you are less tired and stressed out, your productivity will be much greater.Our lives are our biggest asset.