We are already in contact with other lenders to obtain a HELOC before we hit deadlines on our contract.

Do I need to hit a 20% equity before I can refinance?

Meanwhile, sales of new construction single-family homes recently hit a six-month high, rising 14% to a seasonally adjusted rate of 800,000, according to the latest data from the U.S.

Yes it works the same way for credit pulls within a short period only hit you as one.

There is also likely requirements that you are reselling or hit certain volume to even become a dealer.

No it Does not have to be purchased as an owner occupancy AFTER it hits the extended period.

My lender just hit me with a last minute update to my loan disclosure increasing my taxes by ~$200 monthly.

As buyer, as long as you are hitting the deadlines, the Seller can’t back out.

To me townhouses/condos are pretty risky since you could get hit at anytime with a special assessment. 

I don't understand this stuff that well (hence me relying on people a lot smarter than me), but it appears that he's hitting me on both ends with his assessment of my taxes to form his DTI.