I've spent a lot of time trying to get a good understanding of the basics and would love to get as much practical insights as possible so welcome any advice/mentors.

You will rarely see this with KT, it's just barely possible physically.

The perceived risk for possible return is worth it in that investor's eyes.A bit to Joshua's point, cap rates and interest rates are not really connected.  

I'm just trying to pick as wisely as possible so that whatever potential economic issues are ahead, I can at least be somewhere with some resistance to it if possible. 

@Jacob Elbaum Is it possible to talk to the seller to see if this warrants making an insurance claim?

I asked for an extension on P&S and quickly started to talk to as many lenders as possible to save the deal.

From a neutral stand point I'd say having someone that works with the PM company assisting you in buying a house could be a possible conflict of interest not in your favor, I don't get that feeling with him. 

One downside is that you may get paired up with a random agent or an inexperienced agent who doesn't have the knowledge to look out for your best interest.Also, my perspective on this as an agent is a little more by the books, where if I was purchasing out of a state that I was licensed in, then I may use the strategy of Dual Agency and have the possibility of the agent's greed help to secure the deal.

Since they are custom special order possibly sitting in a dead special order bin at a supply house in a 200 mile radius. 

How much does floor one want for the damage.A hole in the ceiling with Spackle, the splatter finish matched (possibly whole room ceiling re splattered), then a primer and paint; or just water discoloration remediation?