The online "national" hard money lenders are usually brokering the loan to someone else and don't have the funds to lend- thus they have many strict requirements for their investor/lender.  

We routinely will spend $40k or more on just the kitchen cabinets, tops, lighting and appliances.

When the banks appraise the property, are they going to strictly use the cap rate method of valuation or will they use a combination of methods such as comparables and cap rate, or some other method?

I know Canada had pretty strict rent increase laws.

You have to treat them as god, and don't ever give the impression you're trying to do the minimum.I'm sure you will follow strict standards: sprinklers, handicap access, natural disaster or flood protection, stormwater management for impervious surface (might need substantial room for a settling pond).

Routine maintenance request, general questions/concerns, should always be communicated through email.  3. 

A short sale can be complex to the uninitiated, but to someone who specializes in handling them, they are pretty routine.  

Very useful products indeed for getting properties as 2% down, but the FHA also have strict guidelines in terms of the rehab estimation and every inspector or appraiser has to be used through the FHA.

This is just me forming a habit and routine to get things going.

Much cheaper.Also, on a side note I have been hearing talk of financing on condos becoming easier to obtain as they are planning to become less strict on litigation etc on condos here in Vegas.