You didn’t state whom the seller is but if it is a Federally owned foreclosure such as Hud or FNMA, it is a federal crime to modify the property in any way or take possession prior to closing I cannot imagine any bank is going to extend the closing 2 months

I’m fairly certain there are no comps for the appraisal so I don’t think any bank will finance it unless the appraiser has some creative way of making this happen.  

My only theory is he wants our mortgage to look clean until he has the chance to sell it to a big bank (it's a small private lender), and he's only looking out for the company's interests. 

If it's in County jurisdiction prob around the same.

I would go to the bank or credit union where I have all of my accounts.

I have no involvement in the deal at all, or transaction, contract, not a consultant.I set-up a quick LLC for them to pay me under, and opened a bank account for it.

What we struggle with is finding the funding for the remodel itself.Does anyone have any suggestions for us as to how to get the funding through the bank?

As a recent college graduate, I am finally in a position where I have enough money to invest, and it just hurts to see it sitting in a bank account not earning interest so I'd like to close my first deal soon. 

also, do private lending and other passive investing while you grow your capital.also, with $$$ like that you are perpetuating the myth that everyone in the silicon valley/SF bay area makes BANK and saves $25K every 3 months.  

Would it do me some good to call around to local banks in that area?