Also thinking the poured in place option vs poured upside down then installed later,,,to be an easier one man band operation,,,more forgiving IF walls are imperfect. 

There are also of course the traditional "fleshworld" sources of finding competent lenders:* Friend/family referrals that closed with a particular lender, esp those friends and family that we think have difficult or imperfect credit/income/asset situations. * Realtor referrals.

Or is the tenant pool for this property likely to bring you less than perfect tenants all over again (argues for living with their imperfections)?

If there is a doubt that the plumbing might be imperfect, you'll have a lot of repair calls and costs.HVAC repair should not be a recurring cost. 

In addition, prices are based upon a market which is always moving, imperfect (prices are not always in line with value), and has other factors not considered (such as distressed conditions of the property or the owner).

The Seller realizes you see imperfection (and opportunity) in their house, so they feel singled out.

Those are my thoughts, imperfect though they be

In any case, take it one step at a time, find good resources, take imperfect action, and use your best judgement.

Staging draws the eyes away from the little imperfections and brings people back to the big picture.

It really depends on your tolerance for imperfections and whether you want risk having buckling/separation of planks etc.