My Why became:  I invest in real estate to provide a predicable and sustainable income to allow me to retire at a robust standard of living without the fear of running out of money!  

FWIW these are called E26 or edison base standard.

Condo is $212k, located in CT, and I'd be covering mortgage payments.While I have the cash to go the standard 20% down on a 30yr conventional (pre-approved by Key Bank in CT for 3.125%), given the current market state I'd like to see if there are any options where I put less $ down and keep more cash on hand.

That seems to be a standard approach, but I'm curious what your thoughts are.Are there any unique restrictions on managing the damage deposit?

The "seller" here is an agent of the secured party who provides no warranties, claims to know nothing about the subject property and refuses to complete and execute standard title company documents.

So, I'm not sure lending is drying up, although I'm sure lending standards will tighten and some options might not be as easy to get.

(fill in the blank). improper licencing of sub contractors. dangerous work environment. sub-standard material. inability to complete contracted work. fighting between sub-contractors............. and on and on and on.

That could be problematic with the owners carrying the original.A possibility would be to have the owner finance the primary place and the lot you get standard USDA financing to build.

Owner financing is very possible on most the properties I’ve looked at.  2. land specific loaning institutions (AgCarolina) is the way to go on land loans.3. 25% down payment is a standard minimum.4.

Thanks in advance Hello Ken,The NDA is standard for off-market properties.