The changes are all designed to protect the consumer, the buyer and the seller in each real estate transaction.And while everyone generally agrees that consumer protection is crucial, some of the changes may prove to be challenging, both to real estate professionals and to the consumers they serve.Before getting into the specifics, here are two basic reasons the new RESPA requirements may become challenging: 1) the need for more specific consumer disclosures, and 2) the need for those disclosures to be presented to the consumer in final form 3 days prior to closing.Conceptually, specific disclosures, as well as strict timelines for completion by professionals and presentation to consumers, both sound like excellent ideas.

I want to figure out how to go about this deal and walk away with a win for the both of us. 

I currently have a position as a residential construction manager which is providing me excellent experience and knowledge for future real estate deals.

We have excellent credit and down payment but it's obviously a risk buying without current tenants and I am wondering if we'll run into trouble with getting the loan because of this.Thoughts? 

Excellent Dion.

I'm a firm believer and doer in creating win-win situation, so we both walk away happy and wanting to work with one another again.

He is an excellent person to be friendly with.

If there is room in the budget for a porch I think its an excellent idea but even a small, nice perched awning would add a really nice accent and make the front much more 3D(see attached image below)

When you win, we win.Lisa

You raise some excellent points!