, and normal stuff to us (no appraisal contingency, anyone?)

@Daniel SoyarsYou typicly would do a contingency clause in the contract to get you out.

The big issue with residential compared to public works is that when issues arise in the field (its very frowned upon to request a change order and usually the contractor is left to figure it out unless it’s a huge cost difference) these changes and additional time, project management, delays...are never included in a quote (unless you mail your contingency budget).

I often need to know the costs of major renovations but I don’t want to always be getting bids and not giving the work to contractors if/when I need to exit a deal on contingency.

Any changes that are likely to occur on this small of a project will be minor and will get absorbed in our "General supplies" budget which we carry as a contingency on every project. 

I am moving to a new brokerage and the new broker hooked me up with an attorney who is taking my case on a contingency fee basis.

Positive cash flow- 140 after PITI and a small contingency fund for maintenance.Negative cash flow ends up being just under 300 after refi.

You would be limited to a max of $35k with this product which also includes a 10% contingency for reserves.I am glad to send you more info on these.

Also be sure that you have the proper contingencies in your P&S - home inspection, financing and appraisal.

Not sure what you mean by a "bulk package of money", but whether you're using a conventional lender or a hard money lender...they're still a lender and you really should be making an offer with a financing contingency as opposed to a cash offer if it's a listed property.