Keep learning my friend, Knowledge is power.

If so you should probably have them sign a power of attorney so you can deal with the loan later.

Tomorrow's meeting topic is Greasing the Wheels, the Power of the Network. 

So you'll have some boost to your buying power due to that, hopefully.  

@Sanchit Wadhwa - Another possibility is to sign a Limited Power of Attorney (for this Real Estate Transaction only) for someone who can be present at the closing to sign papers on your behalf.

Again, your sales price will be hurt by these things and sellers will get turned off by them, and you can't eliminate the busy street or eyesore power lines or water tower across the st, etc. 4.

right it is the tricky part that would scare me but knowledge is power

The emergency fund covers you for the unexpected things in life - It ensures you, and your family, can survive comfortable when things go south. 

A $40k foundation job could easily become a $60k job if the unexpected arises.

Whatever you estimate as your rehab costs, increase it by 10% for the unexpected items or things you may have missed.