In my experience, it’s all about networking with local contractors and being flexible with your plans to stay ahead of any issues that come up.Happy to exchange knowledge!

I’ll push back on this. 

Keep pushing to get confirmation from your lender or consider asking for a reappraisal to make your case.

Closing was pushed off until January as they said they were back up.  

Also father/son dynamics at an age where the son is trying to establish his independence is trying on both of us.I did not push son in direction of RE, he considered various options and chose RE. 

I rented my apartment a few weeks ago and pushed really hard on the landlord to give me permission to either sublet or assign my lease terms.

They arent really allowed to turn you away, but they will push you away with terrible loan pricing and intentionally bad service. 

So I will let you have your opinions and not take this conversation ahead.

Although I am outside of my comfort zone and feel like an absolute tool (I'm lost and that's uncomfortable), my faith, drive, and want to achieve my family and life goals continues to motivate me to get outside of my comfort zone and push for continuous improvement.  

In a situation like that where they did not see the unit ahead of time, I would likely be more flexible about these issues.