I have 25% available to put down but don't want to use all of my liquid cash.

I 100% agree with everyone here - one color is always best, simply because you will always know what paint you need to do touch-ups.My two cents to add to the conversation: make sure that it is a common color that is stocked in multiple hardware stores.

Louis:http://www.stltoday.com/news/multimedia/special/st...The place you'd most be familiar with in North County is Ferguson, Missouri - which has gotten a lot of attention since the riot and some bigger chains stores have come in   Don't get me wrong, there are good areas, but you might have to drive through some really rough areas to get there. 

The liquor store by the refinery also gives away my personalized pens. 

My partner (the old man) has exceptional credit, a six figure salary, and plenty in liquid assets.

Safe, liquid, competitve rate. 

.: https://www.biggerpockets.com/store/managing-properties-physical. 

You can find tile etching liquid at a paint store and if you don't mind spending some cash I believe you can pick up an HVLP sprayer at Harbor Freight  for about $75 Then just mask and spray. 

Also, a liquIdated damages provision says if buyer defaults on completing the purchase seller shall retain the EMD.The question is, if COE has passed, and neither the seller or the buyer extended the escrow period or cancelled ON said COE date, and the only action taken was by the buyer 2 days after COE date to CANCEL the purchase pursuant to a loan disqualification, would that could as buyer default?

You wont find your answers at a big box store.