The key is to find a lender that anticipates the problems early, and offers creative solutions.

Possibly regional banks would do, but the small locals will offer local solutions.

So the simple solution is to KNOW.  

Anyone has a Fire Alarm installation/service/monitoring company to refer?

He will probably use a quick claim deed and record the deed with the county.FrankArlington Funding solutions 

Also, if your plaster is loose your new drywall attachment means may be compromised unless you come up with another solution. 

Another solution to using HML funds, would be to get a partner/investor who would pay for the entire project and offer you profit share. 

Seems like an easy solution is at hand.

It's a short-term solution but then you're not stuck with all the furniture afterwards.Or, make the investment to furnish it and starting next year list it as a furnished home. 

Obviously that’s something that a good real estate agent should absolutely know about and it seems like you have had some difficulties getting that information from your current agent.There are several good agents who monitor Bigger Pockets regularly; I’m sure that some of them will chime in here, but if they don’t, let me know and I can certainly connect you with some good ones.Depending on your time or how much you are in Rhode Island, you could also try to go to a local real estate meet up such as RIREIG to connect with other investors to talk about areas.But if you’re just looking for a single property and you’re based out of New York, that might be kind of overkill, and you might just need to find a more experienced real estate agent (at least based on what you posted).