This is ultimately defined by FNMA and HUD who rule over everything when there's a lender in place. 

Bear in mind, you will save a considerable amount if you are able to do the work on your own.If your not comfortable making a call on the ARV, just ask an agent.

My husband and I are still in the “education” phase of our real estate journey, but we plan to buy our first propert no later than 2020 - quicker if we can save up capital faster than projected.

There's tons of law firms that do appeals on contingency, so it will cost you a portion of what you save. 

It was really simple stuff, and I saved over 1k for a few hours of work. 

The current owner 'pays' for water and I want to sub-meter and save on those costs while I hold the property long term.I've had one company tell me they do no less than 12 installations and other have not returned my calls. 

I much rather save the money and hire different trades to do what you need. 

Alliance does 90%Aspire Federal does 90%Garden Savings does 100%

It's not that difficult to work around cabinets plus you save a little on materials.

I'll have about 20% of the purchase price in the bank but I will not be putting 20% down, this is saved for minor updates and to cover for unexpected vacancy expenses, I'll be going for an FHA.