Then we hit some non RE related financial speed bumps and had to slow down a bit.

I would want to tie up the whole complex to have control for the look and feel of it.What are the other types of properties around these and what has the recent crime activity been with violent versus non-violent crimes.If most units have been remodeled WHY haven't they been able to turn it around??

Come to find out, since I didn't have a signed contract with the seller, just verbally, I had no deal to being with.

The "standard" forms are copyrighted material available free to Realtors and (from what I can tell-- I'm not in CA) for a small fee to members of the public in a non-brokerage capacity.

2) Is the deposit refundable or non-refundable?

If the project doesn't meet lender's requirements, the project becomes "non-warrantable" and the units become very difficult get get loans for.

I.e. non-owner occupied, long-term owner etc?

If you consider it you should require they pay 4 months in advance.This will cover them paying the first months rent,time to immediately evict them if they violate a provision in the lease,and cover paint and carpet again.If they violate the lease for any reason all the money paid upfront is NON-REFUNDABLE.Don't just stick a tenant in there to put one in.Make them meet extra security demands or wait on a better tenant to come along.You have to make a tenant like that have a bunch of "skin" in the game.They may or may not have reformed themselves and if they have they should not mind putting extra down.

I love sessions where attendees are able to ask questions, and the session moderator/s maintain tight, non-rambling control.

Be sure that doesn't make the part losing space non-functional for its purpose.