So in essence bringing two parties together for compensation.. have no real ability to close other than to say we could close if we wanted to but we all know they have no intention of closing if they cant find a buyer of the property and get their assignment fee.

It's hard to say if this expense is included in any NOI that is listed so you should definitely review the details to determine if it is or not.

They're going to want to know you're serious and have financial ability to perform before they invest time in you. 

This will allow me to come up with the cost-benefit analysis to determine if I should have these installed or not.

I am a carpenter and want to be able to work on expensive houses and have the ability to make the numbers work while still focusing on the craftsmanship

It is all a matter of your goals (i.e. equity accumulation or supporting a lifestyle with cash) and your ability to redeploy capital effectively (i.e. is your cash just sitting or are you buying more properties)

If not, the denial is premature - unless it's based on your borrowing ability and not on the property.If the appraisal is done and it comes in at $300,000, your offer of $345,000 may mean you are over-paying by $45,000. 

Instead, bring up different things that you are ready to do and then commit to doing it with no intention other than the ability to rub shoulders/learn.

We have also secured a real estate agent who will only take 4% commission and who will guide us through the process.Obviously our plan is very elementary in nature as we have analyzed a minimal amount of deals and are not entirely confident in our abilities to determine the ideal purchase. 

The cash on cash return, FHA loan ability, long term wealth, etc How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?