I am able to get a conventional mortgage since the house is for my mother and the money she gives me for "rent" will not be considered revenue by the IRS since a parent can "gift" money to a child. 

They recently had a child and were looking to move as they wanted a 3 br sfh.

Sneaky child stole a blue pen from my purse and drew on not one but three white leather chairs.

Occupancy: owner occupied, personal residenceValue of property at present and/or your offer price: $300,000 offer priceAfter repair value: $475,000 - $525,000 (conservative comps in area)Anticipated or actual appraisal issues: None, but not really sure what this is askingDown payment or equity: $75,000 cash to cover down payment and closing costsSource of down payment funds, if applicable: own funds and 401k loanIncome Source: salaried, 15 years in federal career Gross monthly income (optional): $10,000 +/-Monthly debt obligations appearing on credit report, plus (if applicable) personal rent and alimony/child support/etc: $1,300 monthly rent, pay off credit cards each month, no other debtFICO: Excellent, 800+Credit issues: NoneAdditional details: The home is need of approximately $100,000 in repairs.

I want to get off on the right foot and would love any advice you guys have.

This process also doesn't happen over night (its the government you're working with) but I can give you a break down of how everything went.The home owner contacted the fire dept. over a month in advance to before we ever stepped foot on the property.The house had been gutted of every single appliance in it (water heater, stove, dishwasher etc.) prior to the fire dept arriving,the Fire dept does not pay for the clean up for the property after the burn (at least our county doesn't)This is for a very specific situation but there are perks for the home owner for the demolition of the property.

Any tips for someone in my position to get my foot in the door?

Here are the details:Your goals and story:  Want to do a reno/addition to the current primary residenceType of property: Single family homeLocation of property: Alameda County, CA Purpose of financing: Reno / ConstructionType of financing sought: Not sureCurrent or prior ownership of real estate: none Occupancy: owner-occupiedValue of property at present and/or your offer price: $1mAfter repair value: $ 1.2mAnticipated or actual appraisal issues: NoCurrent rents per month: $n/aFair market rents per month: $ n/aDown payment or equity: 100% equitySource of down payment funds, if applicable: n/aIncome Source: Salaried/hourly W2Gross monthly income (optional): $Monthly debt obligations appearing on credit report, plus (if applicable) personal rent and alimony/child support/etc: $ 1000FICO: ExcellentCredit issues: N/AAdditional details:

As most people know, friends and family tend to gift money to a child on their birthday, because they do not know what is best to give them.

It is without a doubt the easiest way to get into a market like Hawaii’s.VA loan + BAH + house hack = a pretty sure footing for the remaining time you have on station. during that time you can find a solid property manager to take care of things once you get reassigned back to CONUS.