It also cuts out additional closing costs.

October was the start to the cut off dates and some of these homeowners do not have the means to start paying a higher payment.

Also, I am very interested in adding a second bath upstairs and/or doing something more productive with the wasted community space connecting the stairs and upstairs BRs (ie- add a bathroom here or create a 4th BR).

They care most about your ability to close the deal and will quickly try to figure out if they're wasting their time by talking to you.  

Because of the deal, I think we could make it work but would like to cut out the hard money lender.

I learned to treage and cut that scenario off from thought.- I also learned I hate active businesses;  anything commercial, airbnb ish, etc. 

@Matthew Crivelli if we buy the property, there’s closing cost and holding cost which cut into profits unnecessarily IMO.

The last couple years we simply had our grass cutter come cut our grass.

I've considered switching the handle and deadbolt and trying to cut down some of the window casing but that seems like it may not be a great option.

Maybe first read the contract you signed with them to see if there is any language regarding utilities being switched or cut off after vacancy.