They charge $1000 if you buy one of their pre selected properties.

Hi , I pretty much found many of them to be around the same but what I do recommend and what I did was call as many local banks and credit unions as I could and ask them rates , amortization schedule, origination fees, pre payment  penalties , refinance options if rates go down , as many things as you can think of  and write it all down for each one.

Only downside is Roth IRA cannot roll into a 401k.  

This is my first purchase (don't want to do anything stupid) and the rents could swing 600/month depending on what I'm allowed to do in the basement - I'd be in the red from a cashflow perspective if I can't duplex them.Am I rolling the dice here / do you not typically find out for sure until you close and begin renovations?  

It is normal to get cold feet but the main thing is to do the best due diligence you can do prior to going under contract-  "Pre-DD". 

What advice would you give me to get rolling in the next few months?

I think your biggest concern would be the pre-payment penalty that comes with most DSCR loans.

Work directly with on-site Construction Project Manager to insure project construction is per plans and specifications from start to finishProvide supervision of sub-contractors on project siteAssist to ensure construction activities move according to pre-determined scheduleCommunicate effectively with SubcontractorsDaily inspections and presence on project siteIdentify any project design and construction issues and bring to management team.Oversee and report progress of project against project plan scheduleCoordination with Construction Project Manager, all necessary work flow schedules and monitoring of same to insure all deadlines are metInform Management Team of work progress and of all significant matters relating to the projectDevelop strategies to promote efficient and cost-effective work practicesAbility to step into and perform duties on an existing under construction multi-family project.Recommendations will be required.Thank you,Anat

You can roll the cost of refi into the refinance itself which will limit what cash you pull out. 

we do a brief pre-application online before offering to physically show any apartments.