This was something pretty out of the ordinary for the attorneys (the bank’s and ours), and it took more than five months from accepted offer to closing.

Do any other investors in or near the Spokane, WA area have any recommendations for a local bank or credit union for a first time home buyer?

So glad you've already plugged into the Bigger Pockets podcast - that was a huge source of education for me when I first started.If you haven't already, I would recommend finding a real estate agent that you trust (you've already had a few chime in here with recommendations ;), and also start talking to lenders (banks, mortgage brokers, credit unions, etc.)

Why pay the bank an extra $100 to save $30 on your taxes. 

I purchased this property in 2011 from a bank as a foreclosure.

We've been interested in RE for years, but always thought you needed tens of thousands of dollars sitting in the bank to even start investing.

I've been having some difficulty finding a bank that would offer an FHA option for a mixed use property (2 residential, 1 store/office).

Every month I carry cash to my bank branch to pay down the balance of my mortgage, I've been doing it in the last 6 months, because I happened to have cash.I know if I do the same thing to my checking account, it could be flagged to the IRS as "structuring" or "smurfing", but does that apply to mortgage too?

Should I get a separate bank account, is there an application, pick the money up or have them deposit it to an account??

This is a good time to be meeting with fellow investors, banks and whoever else might help you find that deal.