A downfall of this process is the lack of tenant screening (background, credit, eviction checks) as far as I'm aware of.

This beginning learning process will be really crucial for you as you start to understand the basic principles of real estate investing and hone in on where you could have the greatest competitive advantage.

I want to develop a process, but don't want to waste time with gathering research points that are ineffective.

The “coach” rarely gets involved in the process of teaching you personally.

Not a huge a mount of cash flow and since only 1 property, want to minimize the fees as much as possible but also setup a process that can grow with me.  

So my question is - is there a way to offer an extra 20k outside of the normal escrow process?

My comments are meant to only educate and provide some useful info that will help all understand the process and guide them in the proper direction.  

They simplified the process for us all while explaining to us in depth the important factors when buying a single family home.

But, you did violate the building permit process and the zoning ordinances.

Any insight that can be shared on the new construction process, I am all ears (and eyes) for.