Most of these trade desks don't interact with each other, which is more or less standard protocol with such large institutions.The other thing is, Wells Fargo has various complex entity structures, not to mention they service there own loans as well as loans for about 3,500 investors (which can be an assortment of large players) and they don't always cooperate because they're essentially separate companies.As far as US Bank goes, it can be just as complicated.

Banks are not as motivated as sellers now days, so foreclosures in your area may actually sell for a small discount to a standard sale...too small for an investor to buy with a margin of error.

I now tell our inspectors to Test for Lead in Paint or in Water ,Absestos in floors and Ceilings,Radon and mold we do standard Water quality tests from any place a human or pet might drink water from.

Home inspection standard contracts limit their liability to the cost of their inspection.

I think you'd be fine sticking with a standard 50%.

Going through the vetting process is standard. 

That means you are buying at a significant discount (because it is a distressed property),  and it will require a decent amount of repairs to get it to Market standards (and force equity appreciation).  

Upon Optionee exercising of this option, both parties agree to move forward with thenecessary standard purchase and sales agreement.6.

Our incomes have both risen steadily over the past year so we are actually hoping to move out of our current home in the Bay Area into more of a long term home in the same area in next 12 months, which would leave us with 2 rental properties, after which we would hopefully start saving to build our real estate portfolio further.However, having just finished our 2016 taxes, we learned that we are unable to claim any of the standard deductions including maintenance, depreciation, et cetera as we exceed the income limit, leaving us with a huge tax bill.  

Otherwise 20-25% down is pretty standard.