There are lots of ways to withdrawal funds from retirement accounts prior to retirement (Roth contributions any time, 72t distributions, Roth conversion ladder during early retirement, or simply pay the 10% penalty).Any advice beyond this point would require knowledge on the size and composition of your your traditional 401k and your personal tax situation.  

Find out retail prices through their vendors prior to finishing out their price. 2.

Charge a solid application fee, charge for literally everything, also mention in contract cleaning obligation to be hired out at their expense prior to moving with your recommended companies.

If I know the area and condition of the asset well from the outside and their asking price isn't insanity, I offer and get under contract prior to asking them to do a bunch of work. 

Everybody's projects are unique, but there are certain things, as you mentioned, that all investors need to have in place prior to or during a long distance BRRRR project that will help the process to go smooth.

I wouldn't do it prior since the meter is running.  

We've been homeowners for going on 3 years now and, prior to purchase, we invited a friend to rent the basement of the not-yet-identified house.

However their site is lacking inventory (at least whats viewable prior to pre-approval).

Franklin park has been on the radar for investors even prior to tesla.

You are able to add different contingencies into the agreement for items that need to be taken care of prior to sale.