I am hearing horror stories and would like to avoid dealing with problematic - all talk and no action lenders. 

I was hoping to avoid any sort of snow in my immediate future (:@Brandon MillerThank you for suggestion as well.

Yes I should have avoided using absolute language with regards to lesson learned.

I am very busy and considering buying a new build out of convenience and to avoid significant cap ex for next 5-10 years. 

2) My plan of attack was to call cold leads of short sales( I have processed plenty in the past i.e. 20 a month during 2010 to 2012 ) and NODs to see if I can help them avoid foreclosure and put in an offer.

Some investors choose to raise rents gradually in an attempt to avoid a vacancy.

@Cameron RileyI understand avoiding subscriptions but QuickBooks online is $20 a month.

@Steve HallI’ll respond to your points in reverse order because it’ll make more sense to our situation. 4) In my own naivety I thought we could get a discount if he stood to make as much or more by financing it himself.3) We are willing to pay 5% because of the assumed discount, smaller down, and no mortgage insurance.2) True, but we thought there would be an advantage by avoiding mortgage insurance and having a smaller monthly payment.1) Yes, we can qualify today. 

I am nearing the end of this project and it was worth every moment I spent working.I am worried about the cast iron piping that runs under the driveways, but am budgeting replacement to avoid surprises

this way I can at least know if 10K is worth the cost or I should avoid any state that requries to file taxes unless I have xxxK to invest. thanks!