If the HOA covers exterior maintenance then you can just get an interior inspection which should save you some money.

Although, if we rehab to rent we can probably go a little cheaper on finishes and save some money on the rehab as opposed to trying to flip for retail.Your feedback and advice is greatly appreciated.  

You will have a much lower monthly payment on that house as opposed to your rent.

I would look at what properties are selling for, as opposed to what they are listed for and their tax assessed value. 

I've had some luck in the past going through the secretary of state business search website which could tell you some additional information about a contact for the owner..... of course this may only be helpful if the property is actually held in some sort of business entity as opposed to an individual. 

I have a property in Plaza Midwood that needs a complete kitchen overhaul, exterior improvements, and a bathroom renovation.

Don't do FHA, you will have mortgage insurance for the life of the loan... as opposed to other conventional loans in which it drops off after you reach either 75% or 80% LTV, from my understanding... 

I am looking to close on the mortgage BEFORE construction begins, so that all rates and stipulations are locked in now as opposed to over a year from now.

I wouldn't recommend painting the exterior.

@Tony OrtizWhy are you looking for a portfolio loan as opposed to a conventional loan?