I called several banks to see if I could refinance shortly after purchasing but banks are telling me that they will only give me 80% of what I paid for it, not what it would appraise for.

There are "piggyback" 80-10-10 loans where you out 10% down, the first lien mortgage is for 80% then the same bank will do a second lien home equity loan at the same time at a slightly higher interest rate.

Typically quality concrete won't fail due to the use by one or two tenants who stay for a few years each. 

Thats why I wanted to get information on any UK investors that have had success or failed.

So a few years ago I implemented a fail safe system that guarantees my time is never wasted.I shoot a detailed video of each of my homes inside and out.  

Go to your local rent court proceedings for eviction - you surely will find some referrals thereAsk the tenant to manage themselves - they can call for maintenance - and deposit their rent check into your account at the bank when due - give them deposit slipsTrain someone to do the things you don't want to do - pay them a percentage of the rent - there are lots of folks who would love to do this for youManagement takes a big bit out of your profits - be smart save the bucks - do it yourself - it ain't that hard.

Long story short I found out this house was already bought back by the bank and not on the MLS yet because the listing agent hasn't gotten it ready to sell yet. 

If you are financing the purchase and renovations, you should have no problem finding a bank to cash out re-fi when it is complete.

First the bad, most banks will not fund the loan nor will most home owner insurance companies approve a policy until restoration and remediation is complete.

Or if you were renting and were no where near prepared to buy a house before the disaster, probably not a good idea, you'd still need cash for closing costs, which can come as a "gift" but never a good idea to buy a house with no money in the bank even if the lender actually let you do it.