That said, if I have a dump, and they are trying to get FHA or VA financing, I don't postpone because the chances of closing are slim to none.

There are defense mechanisms that can mitigate the impact of a downturn, not the least of which is positive cash flow that is stress-tested for adverse conditions. 

Usually require a lead test and home inspection to make sure everything is working and in living condition.

Granted, the chances of that happening are slim to none but, there are no prohibitions against it.

The more time you let pass the more you forget the details. if you have a span of time (2 weeks +) between your class ending and taking the exam, suggest you either do a online review or a test course prep.  

("Play stupid games, win stupid prizes" is a military saying derived from, for example, popping a drug test a month from an honorable discharge after 3 years and 11 months of doing what you're supposed to do)

Test Post

That means you'll be testing the waters with every deal.

My favorite thing to do when learning a new skill or job is to watch/listen/participate with everyone around me that is involved, take in the way that each person does it, let it all sink in, and turn it into what works best for me.I have had a few different types of jobs; I laid irrigation pipe for 3 summers, I was roadie for a local band that toured Nebraska for about 3 years, I worked in a warehouse of a carpet shop for a summer, I was a line cook in a scratch kitchens for 10 years (this is what I owe most of my quick-on-the-fly thinking skills from), and I am currently a Journeyman Electrician (7 years in the trade) I am taking my Electrical Contractors test this month and if pass that I will be able to pull all my own electrical permits.I have a wonderful family (wife and a daughter) who support me in all that I do.

With the 5% program essentially gone the only option for low money down being FHA... with low loan limits and hard to pass self-sufficiency tests the program is very hard to do.