The goal is to not get too fixated on any one month or one data point, but to ensure the long term trend is headed in the right direction.

If I have a property in mind...(1) What do private lenders look for to ensure that they are lending money to a good deal?

Make sure the house is completed before your appraiser arrives as they can't base appraisal on future state of the property.For conventional mortgages, ensure you wait to complete the refinance process until you've owned the home for at least 6 months.

My opinion would be to fix the deducting and ensure the thermostats are operating the proper furnaces.

I put together a detailed proposal which covered the why I wanted to do this, my 1, 2, 5, and 10 year plan, the "Rehab Cycle", the due diligence process that I would follow, and most importantly to the investor how their investment is backed by a real asset, that they would be 1st deed of trust, and the 3 exit strategies that I would employ to ensure the repayment of their investment. 

The best way to do this is ensure you buy a single family property that will be an excellent rental (after repairs of course) if things go south and it doesn't sell.

I would get at least 3 quotes to ensure that you are getting right around market value for the work. 

You will want to discuss the topic with your IRA provider and/or licensed tax advisor to ensure you understand the impact and administrative process involved for your IRA.

What's the best way to ensure your property has high-speed internet ahead of buying?

Reviewing ensures that both parties are protected and that the deal is fair.Negotiating Changes: If there's something in the contract that you're not happy with, you can negotiate changes with the other party before signing.In essence, reviewing the contract is like double-checking all the rules of the game before you start playing.