Same applies in REI, IMO.I'll go right to step two and say appreciate the power of leverage and protect your credit. 

I currently do not have very much expertise in the area of real estate investing but that is the reason for me joining BiggerPockets.

Here's a briefing on what's going on:The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued a new rule that combines mortgage disclosures previously established by the Truth-in-Lending Act (TILA) and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) into a single rule effective October 3, 2015.

The loan officer seems to be overly protective of the appraiser.  

We did negotiated work which means little to no competition and we protected those relationships.Each of them had employees on staff or architect relationships that helped them develop budgets before bringing us on board.  

You are a talented OH contract attorney.Here are the issues...Credit is tight, and if you agents out there want to help home sellers -sell fast -at top dollar -without an agent's commission-close fast-get 10 per cent down-and protect the seller if there is a vender buyer default in paymentsAND Get 3% fee, as a principal operatorPm me if you need help

The only thing I would add is that you are correct that the exchange fees you would incur, even if the deal did bust up and the contingency clauses etc... all are certainly plausible ways to protect you.  

Would anybody be able to refer me to a good real estate attorney with experience on setting up holding and management companies, and landlord/tenant law in the Houston, Texas area?Thank you in advanceWilliam

In order for you to do your own work on a 203k, you have to show I believe "professional expertise" in renovations....essentially you need to be a licensed tradesman.Also the renovations have to be finished within 6 months, which most live in flip people are exceeding that time frame since they are usually doing the work themselves.

No....I think the bulk of the funding platforms lack the expertise to underwrite projects properly.