For vinyl siding, the typical price I've paid is 4.50 to 5.50 a sqft.  

You will find that NC has a much higher tax rate than the SC owner/occ rate, but typically a tad lower than the NOO rate (again this will depend on county).Where the calculation gets even more tricky is the value premium placed on a home by location.If you are looking at Charlotte for example, the national builders who operate in both markets will charge a premium on Ft Mill and Lake Wylie areas over Charlotte addresses for the same floor plan, because they know owner  occ buyers will pay the premium because their monthly payment will be the same for both neighborhoods.If you are in Rock Hill here is a fun Saturday.

I finally tracked him down through one of his references (his pastor of all things). 

That typically is investors.

But I would suggest contacting your local REIA for help and references. 

That typically is investors.

Typically, when you are just starting out, most people don't have any money to spend, or very little at least.

What is the typical interest rate for commercial lending on this?

They typically cut the grass and maintain the lawn so the property does not acquire additional liens.

It is typically the older, and lower end properties that have window or wall units and they are less competitive when it's a "tenant" market.