Sounds like you are committed to taking action. 

@Sean Ruggiero if you team up with a local agent and make the commitment to each other that the agent will run comps for you based on you using the agent when it's time to buy...you have a winning team and it's free since commissions are paid by the seller in Florida.Makes it a win-win.

Many just give you the product you ask for or a product that they think you should have or is easiest for them.You do, however, need to understand the requirements of the FHA loan so as not to commit mortgage fraud. 

Some private money lenders/hard money lenders do require a legal deposit prior to closing, but only after they issue the loan commitment letter. #1 on the list of requirements is a little scary too.

This was a very difficult time for me as I did battle and learned the ropes. 5 more would exit in the coming months.The 2 that remained are good tenants who adjusted themselves to a more professional operation and were happy for it.I never, ever made a representation or commitment that was not on paper in a notice to cease or quit.

I am fully committed to really getting started with REI and ready to hustle for the next few years to make it happen, even if that means moving somewhere else. 

Fannie Mae has regional reps that the lender can reach out to and ask questions to clarify stuff like this, so I wouldn't feel bad about pushing on them to get a firm commitment on the loan.Otherwise you might have better luck with a different lender . . . that may be the true holdup here . . .  

Although a shortage will still be prevalent, lots of great discussion was had on how this benefits the SFH rental market.

We were so excited to get started and things were lining up for us to finally make some moves and get our first flip...then our teenage daughter attempted to commit suicide.

Commit to a date within say 9 months where you want to move to your new house and put it in your calendars.