Work any job, and save every penny you make.

Has saved me twice- worth every penny.

I would save all the pennies you can from your roommates rent any any other surplus income you have until you can refi,  but only if you can actually reduce your payments significantly.  

If you are out of country its worth every penny when a real estate attorney puts on an email “I have checked all paperwork, you are good to sign the P.A. and wire funds”Always put the inspection contingency in your PA (feel comfortable with the period, I put 7 days).Send a certified inspector to the propertyTry to walkthrough every property you put an offer on.

We ended up with foundation issues, disintegrated cast iron, aluminum wiring that needed to be replaced with copper wiring, blowing insulation into the attic, sheetrock repair.

Save every penny you can until you have adequate down payment and an emergency fund. 

This financing option allowed me to proceed with the renovation and turn this property into a gem worth every penny.

When they call you see if they are willing to give you anything at pennies on the dollar and see if they are decluttering or possibly moving.

It's siding has fallen off, the walls were gutted and stripped of copper.

This is not the time to penny pinch, it is simply not worth it.