Must be a single story house, prefer less than 1500 sq ft. 

Other than that, which bank  to use depends on what features the banks offer and your personal preference.

Tile surrounds rarely have to be replaced if just dirty, bathroom tile and fixtures clean very well unless abused, its usually an aesthetic choice.

Is there a way that you prefer (in which to approach to investors that you don't know to offer deals)?

I'm in process of looking properties in Indianapolis but properties I'm finding are very old & that is making me nervous - being out of state investor, I prefer to pick a property that might have lesser maintenance issues.So as you mentioned, I'm still analyzing and any suggestion from friends like you all are highly valuable - thanks!

The bank's preference on whether or not the buyer & seller use the information on the appraisal during their negotiations is irrelevant.

My first choice is ALWAYS separately metered utilities for each unit. 

The moderators prefer we not dialogue too much in the general forums about local meetups around town to cut down on clutter and help curtail advertising in the general forums.That said, I facilitate a subgroup specifically for newer investors as part of our local real estate investor's association AZREIA.

However, the owner prefers going straight thru our lawyers.

I live in Maine, word prefer something online.