The lease amount is under market rate and I want to try to renegotiate a new lease with more favorable terms. 

The lease amount is under market rate and I want to try to renegotiate a new lease with more favorable terms.

Then she wanted to replace all the blinds to the style she likes (she did say she can pay for it), and she tells us that she has lung disease (she is 65, retired and has a court order where her ex-husband paid her significant amount on monthly basis).The realtor who has been on all the communication above told my husband she felt this woman would eventually bring a lawsuit to her and my husband.

The seller mentioned he was going to contact them (seller is a licensed agent) but if I'm being honest, I'm not entirely sure what my role is here other than the fact that I am giving a check for a certain amount. 

Very good point.Regarding disclosures, is there a certain amount of standing water that would need to be disclosed?

Originally I was thinking to sell this place and move into a SFH or even a Multi Family and stay in it a year then rent it, buy another stay in it a year and rent it and keep moving along that way, but through reading BP forums and talking to some other REI it seems like possibly taking a HELOC and staying in this house a bit longer might be a good option because I will have a fair amount of equity.

I signed a one-year lease and moved in.Even if your tenant applicants can prove their cash income, the amount is still less than 3X your rent requirement.

Also, is there a rule of thumb for Earnest Money Deposit amount?

I think this Is quite popular    if not very dangerous for many.. and also you take out all those CC and your fico will fall through the floor so keep that in mind.I can see smaller amounts need for small flip projects etc.

As for permits, I did put the wrong amount, after checking with the city, based on our estimated repairs it'll be $865 for permits + $250 for the various inspection visits (middle and ending visits as well as various other inspections for certain trades like roof). $200 for a permit would be great.