Some of the credit repair companies will dispute negative items over and over even if they are legitimate and accurate in an attempt to get them removed.

Starting later in the refi process may mean they are not sufficiently past some credit issue or in the end they are attempting to refi a note in default which becomes even harder to do.I suggest that #4 sees the bank, understands where they need to be to qualify, what principal reduction would be required, if any.Can't go much further without specifics, but that should point you in a direction to begin with

I used $1,000 thinking that most will attempt to negotiate a lower rent but I am quickly noteing that most will not even bother negotiating.

I've attempted contacting several firms handling houses I was interested in and was always told that prior to the confirmation hearing, the house is still legally owned by the soon-to-be former homeowner, so the firm can't negotiate anything.

(e)For profit, to induce or attempt to induce any person to sell or rent any dwelling by representations regarding the entry or prospective entry into the neighborhood of a person or persons of a particular race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.Now, if you're concerned about "intent", then here's another good read:http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?

The IRS sees that you always were engaging in an active business activity and the holding time was just an attempt at circumventing the tax liability, which they will disallow.The general advice given by the tax professionals (of which I am not one so seek your own counsel) is to keep different activities separate.

I am attempting to jump in head first without cracking my skull :/.

I wouldnt jump to conclusions and go spending money to fix anything before attempting to narrow the problem down.

Heck, just the awareness by a contractor that the agreement/contract was memorialized via audio, may in and of itself be reason for a contractor to "perform" instead of digging his heels in and posturing in an attempt to change the terms of the agreement at "crunch time", or worse, not performing and then seeking redress through small claims court, mechanics lien extortion or who knows what. 

Attempts to get info from the company don't get returned.