While you probably could have shopped around, most people don’t and it probably wasn’t in the realtors mind why you might or would.

Bear in mind that a 203k property becomes eligible for the program because it would be otherwise uninsurable on a regular mortgage-- houses end up in HUD's possession for a reason, and they're often ugly ducklings. 

I am not sure how asking questions is illegal, but offering properties without a license comes to mind.

I don't necessarily mind getting an appraisal, so that's not a dealbreaker. 

However, keep in mind that you can only sue for losses and not expected losses.

The other thing to keep in mind is that crowdfunding sites haven't been around that long and have not experienced a downturn.

I like the flexibility of HELOC but if you have an investment in mind already and will put the money to work right away then refinance might be best for you.

Taylor Cochran keep in mind that if you are going to have a bunch of equity in the house after you purchase you could possibly tap some of that equity through a Home Equity Line of Credit.

Looking at paying to make repairs, it all comes down to what return you get in my mind.

So in a sense it does seem a little like dead equity in my mind.