bewarealways use someone licensed bonded and insureda reputable contractor will be able to perform the work with no money up front, if they demand it then that is a flag to me that they may have a credibility problemmake sure they can follow your schedule- do they have the manpower available for the project do they have the correct tools to perform and how many of these projects have they donehave a strict interview process in place when searching for a contractorthem not showing up can cost you big timetime is moneyenjoy

I told her to watch for trends of the smart money buying into bonds....I went on with the rest of my theories and she maintained an unusual blank stare at me until she had a moment to speak up (I talk quickly).

Real estate investments is NOT like having lost of money and is invested in stocks, bonds, or other commodities!    

So, when you hear that some wholesaler got $10,000 off a deal, look to the sale price, the value of the property, from that you can see if they are attempting to deal ethically and legally.Another point too, a Realtor is worth more than an unlicensed straw man assigning contracts, the Realtor isn't acting unethical or illegal, they have competency which has been demonstrated by licensing and they are insured as well as bonded in the event they are in error or do something wrong.

Elaborate and add transparency to the bond and/or insurance aspect of the business.

Everybody will wonder what horrible thing the buyer found that made him walk away.Consider putting a larger down payment down to strengthen your offer - especially if you're in a competitive seller's market.You should start looking for a good lender - and not all handle USDA, so be sure to ask.Good luck!

from my perspective as a NMLS licensed Mortgage banker... is D F won't get repealed as a whole.the govmit spent a billion dollars creating NMLS  all of us mortgage bankers or RMLO's are now registered in one federal system.. it would create massive issues between the states and feds how we operate.DF from someone who actually works in the system ( me) is a pain for sure.. we have to use this super complicated website called NMLS .. we have to do reporting quarterly that is over the top and bigger shops no doubt had to hire a compliance person as it would become a full time job.. little guys like me we just grumble  but have to comply.Wall st will dictate rates  LTVs and risk.. along with bond buyers ..

They have distorted every market ( stocks, bonds, real estate, etc ) This environment and CBs have added a whole new level of uncertainty and complexity. 

Any other advice to strengthen my offers while doing FHA?

As long as you buy correctly, trust your gut (assuming you've educated yourself enough), and learn to diversify your holdings - i.e. bonds and equity as well, then you'll be fine.