good list.. you can add to your CA OR WA foreclosure rescue that MLO's are allowed to contract those in foreclosure as well as Attorney and Agents.

Is there a way to use private money or a bridge loan to allow him to buy the house and refinance after his retirement when his finances have settled?

However, I will say from experience, the midwest will allow you to cashflow well at a significantly cheaper price point but you will see very little appreciation.

VAs and back up VAs to run your automation systems, allowing you to scale and exit.It's a start.

Our bank will allow us to keep the best loan.  

Only issue with that is that if/when you move out, zoning likely doesn't allow you to rent both up and down separately.

@Zachary Petrak you could stabilize and perform the rehab while using seller financing if your capital allowed it and then when the property was ready and rented at market rates, you could refinance into a DSCR loan.

OwnerRez integration allows real credit card security deposits on your direct booking site, VRBO and Airbnb. 

One thing to keep in mind is that institutional lenders typically won't allow you to borrow the down payment.

Do not allow deadlines to float... the minute someone is late, start with the legal requirements even if you like them and believe it's a temporary issue.