The customer is paying for a finished product .  

There seems to be lots of bad reviews about their loan programs customer service, messing up payments ect. 

One of my questions is do the general contractor get the material (cabinets, countertops, flooring, paint, etc) or do I have to look for all that on my own?

You have appliance,hot water heater,hvac,painting,cabinets, etc.

The appliances, cabinets and laminate counter tops are in fine condition - working with no major scratches. 

I understand the need for a permit if you are adding square footage to the house or maybe even adding a bathroom because that way a future buyer has the security of knowing the work was done right but I don’t think, but as a buyer I wouldn’t care if the person selling their house pulled a permit for their backsplash and new cabinets or island as long as it looked good and everything worked as it should.

The water and sewer bill will ALWAYS remain in the Owner’s name therefore the ultimate responsibility of the water and sewer bill will ALWAYS fall onto the Owner.See http://www.clevelandwater.com/customer-service/faq for more info.Holton-Wise does not charge the tenants for water and sewer usage because of all the legal difficulties put in place by Ohio Landlord Tenant Law and the City of Cleveland, Division of Water.

1. wash all base, case and inside/out of old cabinets [kitchen and bath] with TSP.  2. clean the carpet with a deodorizer - you may have to replace the carpet3. clean out the vents, follow the instructions above to air out the basement/crawl space and open those vents, 4.

Have been using Sincere Home Decor for cabinets.

This would also mean that you don't have to buy as many cabinets because the appliances will require more space.