There is a materials tab on craigslist. 

I would think, you would need to run any structural material the way that shorter side (2") faces floor/ceiling and longer edge (4")  faces walls for better structural support. presently, the 4" side of the double plate faces ceiling/floor and 2" faces walls. there is not much of a  span though. 2. 

I crawled over FHA's website and can't find anything but the very superficial materials designed for mass-public consumption.This topic is of interest to me because I'm specifically interested in purchasing an FHA-insured loan for a duplex I have under contract.

As far as the counters the market I'm in doesn't at all call for that high end of material.

Get credit cards at Home Depot and Lowe's to use for rehab materials. 

My company will be doing the labor for free, and the materials will be provided for us. https://www.crowdrise.com/atlyouthimgafterschool/fundraiser/modernhomeconcepts

Some of the materials used in the 60's were and still are superior quality to what you can buy.  

Also, your architect may not be a crook, but materials and finishes make all the difference in the world.

Luckily, there has never been a better time to get educated in real estate, and there's more free material out there than ever before as well! 

I also have found some other greatly great deals on materials.