It's suggested to not use modern types of mortar mix.

Thank you for the suggestion.

Any kind of tips and suggestions would be much appreciated. 

I would suggest you search for and attend a local real estate investor's meet up in your area and try to ask for clarification on your thinking. 

Top it off I'm sure I'll need a chunk of that $100k as reserves to handle maintenance and renovations.Would you guys n gals suggest I attend the auction just to see what happens or should I be prepared to bid? 

Hopefully I can find someone on BP, in a similar boat as me, to team up with!

These properties will be marketed by an affiliated prominent Real Estate firm to Ex-Pats, Canadians and the affluent South Florida boating community.

I am telling them to avoid that deal like the plague, although I have no idea where to suggest alternative financing.As for her own property, they are willing to refinance her at a slightly lower interest rate, and switch it over from 26 remaining years to 15 with lower monthly payments.  

Looking for suggestions on a good colored stain of some sort that will fill and get this passed.I really don't like doing things this way.

Will look into these suggestions.