Does anyone have recommendations for good, reasonably priced countertop installers/fabricators who do work in the north/northwest suburbs of Chicago, specifically around Prospect Heights?

The best option would likely be a construction loan, which can cover both the purchase of the land and the build.

Are there any resources you'd suggest looking into to understand loan assumption, especially VA loan assumption?

(eg: installment payments over 50 years, having the balance balloon upon his passing, etc). 

I have probably gotten between a hundred and two hundred loans within the past 8 years and I have learned some things along the way that make getting loans easier and harder.

That said, a VA loan charges you a guarantee fee that is financed into the loan.

There are two types of TSP loans: General purpose and residential loan. 

Examples could include but are not limited to installing new/ improving driveways, clearing overgrown trails/ build sites, demolishing abandoned buildings, property cleanup, extending or having utilities pre-approved, etc.

I’m currently closing on my first property in 2 weeks using a FHA 203k loan to help with renovations. 

The Note/Mortgage for each loan states the dollar amount invested & the % of the total loan by name, for each investor.