Although the next to nothing down payment is appealing, could you possibly refinance later to get better terms.

For curb appeal, don't just lay gravel, put down some hearty desert plants to break up the space. 

I am brainstorming for an upcoming local business trade show hosted by our chamber of commerce that brings through about 5,000 attendees.I'd like to have a promotional item to give away for our brokerage with a relevant and/or unique appeal - something with a long "shelf life" and not disposable.What promotional items have you have good success / response with?

In the photo it looks like replacing missing siding and new paint should be a higher priority to increase curb appeal.

I look for bright, sunny, homes with simple exteriors to appeal to a younger audience.   

If the owner does not agree with the assessment they can appeal it, and "justify the property value".  

The closer the better as I'd like to be able to walk/run/bike to and from work.HOA: must allow subletting as I will likely only live in the area for 3 years.Price: I've been pre approved for $200,000 but ideally I'd like to spend under $150,000.Townhouses look rather appealing, but I might also consider a SFH/multi unit.

The other will be your normal bid that has a better chance of getting accepted. the lower bid will make the actual bid more appealing to HUD?

This applicant ended up having too many red flags (landlord gave a positive reference but with different length of tenancy, different rent amount, impossible to verify that contact was the actual landlord due to several layers of LLCs, wife had 3 accounts with a total of 1/2 a month's rent go to collections recently).This has been the least appealing bunch of applicants I have had (granted, only my 6th time renting one of our properties), but will keep trying.   

You can make the rest of the house sparkle, but it will not be enough to achieve the appeal you would like.