I don't have direct access to the MLS...but I do find it interesting that, of the 50 odd deals I analyzed on Realtor.com and Zillow today, the only ones that had ROIs above 10% were already pending.

Federal law, Dodd-Frank has requirements and restrictions with properties that have had new construction performed, 3. you'll need to find a mortgage broker to originate loans in compliance, not so easy.Not something to ignore as there can be very stiff penalties, up to $100,000 in fines and/or 10 years in a federal prison!

HELOC: I'm not eligible for a home equity loan because the house is on the market (seems to me an odd reason)Comps: The neighborhood is generally updated.

There are a few restrictions with regard to earlier FHA loans.

One provision of great importance to the real estate industry is the new restriction on local time of sale (TOS) requirements (section 4595c).

Is the FHA restriction only based on administrative discipline?

Of course, somebody who is on the list could move in close by afterward, so there is no guarantee unless you buy close to a school (they are restricted from living too close to schools).

The whole thing sounds odd, unless there's something going on you haven't mentioned.  

Banks became stricter and imposed deed restrictions (now wholesalers can't re-sell a shortsale within 6 months or even 1 year).

Securities restrictions are detailed and complicated.