I’ve read that the seller chooses the offer to submit to the lender and they accept it or deny it, but the seller shouldn’t really care how much the offer is for, right?

I encourage everyone submit a freedom of information request during the due diligence time of the contract offer.  

If you see a house for $100k and need it at $80k to be all in at 70% for a flip, you can submit a bid for $80k with a small deposit, but if it isn’t above the reserve, even if you are the highest bidder you will NOT receive the property.

It should take about ten days for pay to be submitted.    

They have asked me to submit a W-9 form so they can issue a 1099 to me.

Contract or bids were submitted to HUD back in mid December and I believe it was approved.Now almost 4 months into this and 4 contract extensions later, auction.com cannot give me any info about status and refuses to give me a realistic timeframe yet they are asking for a 5th extension.I have $2500 earnest money tied up in this so far and it is still a good deal but cannot wait indefinitely.Any thoughts on what to do next?

This is a joint effort between the building department, zoning, and an architect / contractor or engineer.You'll need to talk to the contractor first who will submit the plans to the Connecticut buildings department for approval. 

I signed the contract, provided by the seller's agent, shortly afterwards and submitted a good faith deposit.

My last cash buy all in had closing costs of $417, I didn't have to wait 45 days or submit 18 different financial docs.

I'm looking to submit a Cash Offer then go over the numbers with my interested Cash Investors & at the local REIA next week.