They are very generous and want to help us with the mortgage.

Here is my thoughts and check me if I’m off:I think the real heart concern for my bride is the risk of over leverage and having some unexpected costs take us out financially.

I feel like they are lazy and not checking their work. 

They will be coming down over the weekend, and we will be checking out some properties in various neighborhoods to get a feel for the areas.An informed buyer is the best buyer!

not 2 months, no. usually a letter will let you get in for underwriting/ qualifying, and a 2-week pay stub required before closing. every lender that does fannie/ freddie will use standard fannie/freddie guidelines, but a lot of them have "overlays", which are additional guidelines imposed by their investors. check with your preferred mortgage professional to find out how they will handle things for your speicific scenario. 

We had someone go and check for damage.

Most borrowers never check. 

You may already know some of these, but check out some of the things happening in Detroit in 2024https://michiganchronicle.com/2024/01/03/major-developments-that-will-define-detroit-in-2024/While everyone will post their advice here, we take a more logical approach.

Thanks @Kyle Cox I will definitely Check it out.

You gotta check out La Pizzeria food truck for some delicious slices or hit up Carmine's for tasty Italian eats on a budget.