William,Not sure about Landlord/Tenant law in your state, but in Colorado, a landlord can state similar language in the form lease, but as a practical matter, you will only be entitled to be made whole.

Their lending practices drove the demand up astronomically against a fixed supply therein driving up the prices.

Practice ASL for 10 minutes daily (just started classes last week). 

There are always deals out there, for those that are willing to hunt for them.I do think in practice finding someone that will pay 1% less in cap rate is fairly big jump. 

Also is it common practice to pay the contractor for giving you a bid whether you buy the property or not?

Any help in some "best practices" about private lending, and guidance on securing a good lender would be great.Thanks in advance!

While the is an option I do not believe it is your best as that would be expensive in itself and not make practical sense for A/C in the future. 

I'm already living as cheap as is practical in my situation.

Eventually it became time to put it into practice! 

Re:  Septic...I am at the point where the buyer found a company which I have heard does not have the best practices overall.