., the easiest solution would involve cutting into a really beautiful old backsplash behind the the kitchen sink) and the fact that everything is otherwise done (i.e., we don't have open walls).

This is what I got from the seller.Remodeling: No remodeling has been done recently but is still in good condition and almost like new: a new 50-year metal roof; new central air and heat; new cabinets, sinks, etc., in the kitchen and baths; new flooring; a new driveway.  

New job, sink or swim.

I redid a galley kitchen using ikea cabinets and I ended up paying more than 5k in materials (oven, stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, cabinets, countertops, backsplash, sink, faucet) That was before the pandemic.

If I'm wrong and it's the "home improvements" that they want to see, can I just make some minor cosmetic changes like new sink/bathtub/paint and then ask them for re-appraisal and since the current market value of the property is much higher it will still get appraised higher and my PMI will be cancelled?

The common symptoms here are water backing up from the bathtub, toilet and sinks in the garden unit.

I have not seen 4" copper waste lines but I have seen a lot of drain lines from sinks and bathtubs that are copper and that eventually tie into cast iron.

Christopher and Scott -A rehab-to-perm loan is a two-part loan process that allows real estate investors to purchase and rehab investment properties that they intend to retain as rentals.The problem with purchase mortgages is three-fold. 1. mortgages take too long 2. you cannot get a mortgage on many distressed properties due to problems with foundation, roof, etc 3. you sink too much money into rentals when putting 20% down and then paying all rehab out-of-pocket without reimbursementCash is a great option, but you are limited by the amount of cash you have. 

If you are renovating a bathroom we would be spending $500 for a vanity sink base.

Subject too you can get in low cost or free but the risks associated come with the need for money, silent seconds can ruin your personal life and make refinances possibly impossible or can sink the investment throughout or after liquidation.