The scope of work and estimates will have to be provided as part of the loan process, and inspections will have to be done before the money is released.If you're going to be occupying the home you can look into either an FHA 203(k) loan or Fannie Mae Homestyle loan.  

The only certainty is that the home is in the process of being foreclosed, not that it is a distressed property that has value-add opportunity.How would a wholesaler do a deal with a Pre-Foreclosure that is in great shape?

I spoke with a mortgage lender from Chase and was told that I need to show 3 years of steady income on my own which may make the lending process a tricky one.

What is the process?

And many times, you can get non-compliant tenants to move out before the eviction process plays out by talking with them.I am not aware of a way to account for tons of pets unless you convert the property to a pet boarding business.  

I'm in the process of looking at a duplex plus a separate garage apt here in the Conroe area.

So I get that the LLC won't provide legal protection, but I'm wondering if my thought process is sound with respect  to the retirement account.

The key is understanding that you are chasing equity and know the ins and outs of both the probate and foreclosure process.

How does the tax deed differ from the tax lien as far as steps in the process?

I'm not familiar with purchasing partials, but it seems like a good option while in the process of expanding your bankroll.