Reputable lenders may ask for a small deposit toward third party costs (appraisal, environmental, etc.) after delivering a term sheet and/or commitment but not generally something so amorphous as an "insurance fee" - those kind of costs, if necessary to close the deal, can typically handled at closing.  

When we buy properties, it's always subject to the property being delivered vacant.

It seems like a good fit, so that's why I'm looking for people who've had experience with them to see if they can deliver.  

You can then shop and deliver.

The first step is to deliver a 3 day Notice to Vacate.

One of the major risk is that title does remain in the seller’s name.....if he has a mtg he doesn’t pay he’ll get foreclosed on and your are out, judgments/liens can attach to property for more than your price, so he can’t deliver clear title.  

This statement specifically from the document requires an actual invoice, which means work has to be done or you doctor up a fake receipt:"Within 14 calendar days after completing the repairs or receiving the invoice or receipt, the landlord must mail or deliver to you a correct itemized statement, the invoices and receipts described above, and any refund to which you are entitled."

Deliver the plan to the appropriate city department and they will likely postpone the demolition to give you time to rehab the property. 

Normally I use that access to measure and order supplies but don't have anything done or delivered until after closing.  

However when the fridge broke down they would only send out a repair guy 3-4 even 5 days later (and each time we bought from him and from others they would promised us 24hours service but none could deliver us fast repair) and that really angered the tenants and us too, and a year or two later the same thing would repeat again, so we don't goof a round anymore just buy brand new HD or Lowes on discount card special scratch dent sale(same warranty as Brand new).