@Greg H.I am not really arguing with you however it is stupid to try and say one are is better than the other.If someone doesn't care about golf, they could care less about you having the ability to golf every day of the year (except for when you said you are hiding inside when it gets to the 30s.... 

If they do have their contracts in order then you know they mean business and care about their work and reputation.I suggest either writing up a schedule to have your contractors follow or ask your general contractor for a schedule.

You want to be careful in "estimating what Section 8 will pay.

This is going to be a huge lifestyle change so I want to build trustworthy relationships and hit the ground running when I arrive.Take care!

Plus I walk my dog a lot so I really get to learn the blocks well.

This wouldn't work in Allentown, but anything more than a few miles north of Rt. 22 would qualify. https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/all-prog...I would be careful not to over-leverage yourself at this stage in the game.

If they paid a deposit you have to be careful how and what you deduct as there are very specific rules for that.

My question is...in either case what about lenders caring about income?

Patience also forces you to be careful and not make errors that can cost you thousands.  

Now, be very careful of the LTC difference....Loan to COST is very different than LTV.