I plan to set up a regular Toronto meet up for Canadians investing (or interested in investing) in the US. 

In your scenario, given those two estimated settlement statements you posted, 20% down and then doing a cash advance from your credit card for $8,000 at 18.3%, is identical to doing 15% down w/ PMI and the higher rate.So, the question really is: If you keep that $8k in your checking account, are you going to put it to work somewhere guaranteed to earn you greater than 18.3% ROI?

I haven't found deals that are any better than what I can get from the regular carriers; I am in Tennessee. 

Apparently Keller Williams Agency has a relationship with MyOutDesk so the VA's do have some real estate exposure through the course of their regular work, vs. having to train them from the ground up.

Like I said the comps are low to mid 100's and actually some were higher the comps are almost identical to this home.

Track everything you do and view that regularly so you can tell what you can do to earn more income and reduce expenses.

I've been getting into the habit of watching podcasts & reading blog posts on a regular basis.I'm still very green and it won't be a for a few years before I actually decide to start my real estate investing journey.  

I'm almost considering option 3, just put a regular door lock that I then replace it before closing (leaving it clear to buyers that the lock is NOT included).

I do all of our marketing in office, I own a call center that takes calls for other investors, and I regularly close/am involved in deals.

Although appraisers should render unbiased opinions regardless of the intended user (assuming both are for lending purposes), the reports should be identical.