After gathering that information, then you will be equipped to start making decisions.Something else to consider... would be creative investment opportunities.

@Luke Condon There are such things as stated income loans still, but I would just wait until you are a little more prepared before you jump in, unless you also have a very large reserve.

GeoffCosts Due at Closing Points: 3% of loan (one time) [only financed at 70% of ARV]Origination Fees: $1,020 ($400 document processing + general administrative costs, $575 legal fees - preparation and review of all documents, $30 application fee (charged at closing), $15 flood certification)Appraisal Fee: $400 - $475 (paid directly to state licensed appraiser)Insurance: ARV x .45% -- (paid for 6 months in advance before you close; can choose any insurance company as long as it meets minimum requirements HML has + lists HML as mortgagee on policy)Buying Closing Costs: 1% of purchase price (title insurance + escrow fees)Outside Costs (Holding) 4 Month Flip (120 days): 2 months of construction, 1 month on market, 1 month in escrow/title; plan for 6 months Monthly payments: 1% of loan Utilities: $230/month (varies; $125 electricity, $60 water, $45 gas)Property Tax: $3,000/12 months x number of monthsRealtor fees: 4% of ARV (multiple realtors that will list for 1%)Selling Closing Costs: 1.5% of ARV---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Example of House:Buy at $120kRehab at $50kARV at $230kCosts Due at Closing Points: 3% of loan; financed at 70% of ARV ($230,000 x 70% = $161,000 loan) $161,000 x 3% = $4,830Origination Fees: $1,020Appraisal Fee: $475Insurance: ARV x .45% $230,000 x .45% = $1,030Buying Closing Costs: 1% of purchase price $120,000 x 1% = $1,200TOTAL CLOSING COSTS: $8,555------------Outside Costs (Holding) Monthly payments: 1% of loan $161,000 x 1% = $1,610 x 6 months = $9,660Utilities: $230 per month $230 x 6 months = $1,380Property Tax: $3,000/12 months x number of months $3,000/12 = $250 x 6 months = $1,500Realtor fees: 4% of ARV $230,000 x 4% = $9,200 Selling Closing Costs: 1.5% of ARV $230,000 x 1.5% = $3,450TOTAL HOLDING COSTS: $25,190-------------Out of Pocket Portion for Rehab: $9,000TOTAL OUT OF POCKET COSTS: $30,095TOTAL OUT COST INCLUDING REALTOR FEES AND SELLING CLOSING COST: $42,745Calculations-------------------------------------------------------------Buy at $120,000 + $33,745 (costs) + $50,000 (rehab) = $203,745Sell at $230,000 - $203,745 (costs + rehab) = $26,255 (PROFIT)Cash on Cash $26,255 (Profit) / 30,095 (Total Cash Invested) = 87 %Return on Investment $26,255 (Profit) / $203,745 (Total Spent including all cost) = 12.8%

Is there anything specific I should be prepared for or bring?

I don’t think the syndicators nor the investors truly account or prepare for downside risk.  

I was very pleased with the process and felt that I was very prepared to pass the real estate license exams. 

By preparing ahead of time and acting quickly, you can acquire these properties and be on your way toward financial profit.

Sooooo, does anyone like @Bryan Hancock or @Dmitriy Fomichenko have any thoughts as to weather this would be compliant with IRS regs, or any other creative ideas on how to have Marilyn get her capital for RMDs without my spouse and my IRAs having to withdraw? 

The HW will need to addressed right away and you need to be prepared if the town inspector just happens by and notices the roof...

In MD either an attorney OR one of the parties named in the instrument must certify that they prepared it.