If so, what tips can you recommend?  

$1,500 or so for escrow/ title etc. plus whatever your lender charges assuming you are buyingPro Tip: go to the postal annex for notary signatures about $15 don't let them charge you a $200 mobile notary fee.

Anyone have tips for doing a proper assessment of such a property to avoid getting burned?

With the internet at everyone's fingertips its sometimes gets a bit much seeing all of the information out there and I would love to have discussions to see everyone's experiences in the industry so far.

I'm really not sure what options the seller has to push anything through faster.I'm interested to see how this works out for you, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

Any good advice or tips for managing wholesaling business in other states ? 

If it's at a bar/restaurant, be sure to buy something and tip well

One tip - make sure you have all the terms of the loan in writing, even if it's not officially notarized or attorney drawn up paperwork.

Any tips on what I should be considering when trying to understand how it would be appraised for re-fi?

It is in good shape, but really needs an update (last remodel was early 80s).This is Hendersonville, TN, and the market is hot right now, especially in our neighborhood.I’m looking for advice on how to tip the odds in my favor.