The 1st would be to build credit by utilizing 2-10% (sweet spot) of available credit on your cards for a few to several months (to maximize your score) but two months before you apply for a mortgage pay all debt to $0.The 2nd larger issue is the student loan and the 1st step would be to get copies of your tax returns ready and fill out the paperwork to get on the lowest payment plan i.e.

I gave it a try last night and was able to find several in my area over the next couple weeks.

First pic is an easy one IMO because the bend isn't so severe and I think quarter round would work just fine. 

Several years ago we had a fellow Landlord spend $100k in legal fees defending a LB suit. 

Obviously there are several issues at play here, as not everything is a true apples-to-apples comparison and it's quite possible that many of these units are rented to family or long term renters, but the discrepancies are off by often $700-1200/mo. 

I do flip/development projects in the San Gabriel Valley and North East LA area and own several apartments out of state.Send me a message or email if you want to meet up and discuss more.

If you're not planning on doing anything with it for several years...

They will not and cannot share those offers with you.If you think they have no other offers, then I would resubmit a lower offer.If you think they have other offers, then I would submit my highest and best offer.I have lost several bank owned properties because my bid wasn't high enough, but the offer was a number I was comfortable with.

This is a business, and sounds like several businesses. 

Renovo out of Chicago is a HML who has funded several deals I've sold to investors.