How do you normally structure your deals?

Based on what I see online, normally people are scared of houses with structural issues/ repairs...

It is normal for a hard money lender (HML) to pay work in stages or "draws".  

Is this normal for anyone else?

Is this a normal request from a broker for a mortgage loan?

You don't need lic to invest although getting will give access to MLS and would allow you to purchase property right through the MLS and interact with other agents but you'd have to pay dues to the boards such as REALTOR DUES and other things monthly or yearly ... another thing too is when you get lic and do deals you will get the the 3 percent commission that the agent rep u would normally make

Plus, they are normally going to be in places people are wanting to visit or vacation, so if you want to take a trip to check on your property it's not a drudgery!

In your experience, is the process for purchasing a REO take additional time or is it comparable to a normal real estate sale?  

Some investors wait till they are having a year where their income is lower than normal, and they will then convert funds to a Roth.

Normal sale - you pay both tax and depreciation recaptureReverse mortgage - not sure if these are possible with investment properties, but maybe?