And that could mean an inspector would make you upgrade that bedroom to arc-fault breakers and mandate proper egress windows.  

For instance, if the property has a significant amount of 'deferred maintenance', you know, broken windows, worn roof, or a missing central air unit, it won't be eligible for conventional financing.... that just means you'll have a hard time getting a loan for it.  

I hope you guys never have to deal with...the settlement attorney that closed my last sfr home was broken into and their files were stolen.  

This will probably be one of the first things you want to check.Walk-in wine cellars make wonderful upgrades to homes this old.

Also, in most states, like Indiana, the "chain of title is not broken" with such subjective title policy. 

I have 2 pieces of Black and Tan Granite Pieces that were broken in halfone piece is 9' by 2'the other is 7' by 2'http://i.imgur.com/7QnORHE.jpg

.- $8,175 for 1200 sf house, 1 story, remove existing clay tile roof, replace some rotten wood ($825 worth of the total cost), install 30# felt and new lifetime comp shingles.All work on both jobs done by licensed roofers, permits pulled, and prices included installing flashing as needed and upgrading roof ventilation.Without knowing all the specifics of your job, I'm guessing that your $20k quote was from a roofer who either was trying to take advantage of you or didn't really want to do it for some reason or was too busy to do it, and the price he quoted you was the "I'll move some other jobs around if you're willing to pay this amount" price.

Can I upgrade the appliance and pay the difference out of pocket?

Hey BP,I'm looking to close on a 3-plex (3 flat) in Chicago in the beginning of December and doing an FHA full 203k rehab of the property.One of the items we are upgrading for long term buy and hold stability is the flooring since the area can demand higher quality rents.

Sure, get all the upgrades you can afford, but after refurb is done and walking thru, it should still retain the characteristics of a Victorian and not look like the 'Disney's World of Tomorrow'.