If you save his tail and he knows it, you may get a good contractor for future deals, with a sharper pencil put to them by both of you. :)

Good prompt service and you save more than stamps.com and pb.com

I'm a young professional looking for area near beaches, shops, nightlife, etc - but willing to live in a outskirt to save some $ on my residence and invest in more of the prime locations for rentals.

Buyer has good credit and qualified for loan, but doesn't have the cash saved up for the downpayment.

Maybe I saved $50 by going with their special but the lost time and frustration wasn't worth it.I think they have the big box store installation deals have their place for traditional homeowners but if you are trying to do multiple investments having your own on-call team even if you take a few lumps(and you will) finding that team is worth it in the long run so you can get someone over to a property that you trust at a moments notice if you have a major issue.

If this is HUD, he is falsifying documents (that he has to sign at closing) and it is punishable by a fine of $250,000 and prison time of 2 years.Is that worth the money he's saving?

Instead of waiting for your A grade property to use refined design styles, why not upgrade your property now with a slightly more expensive material, and save on the maintenance while possibly raising the status of your rental?

Unfortunately these projects often features the homes jammed up on the property lines with a complete obliteration of existing trees/landscaping features to make rooms for a monster house so it doesn't necessarily serve to 'upgrade' the neighborhood in many cases other than increased comps.In other areas I've seen a builder slowly accrue multiple lots of and develop them in a more tasteful manner with new construction that is architecturally consistent with the other new homes they've built adjacent and allowing for proper landscaping.I try to do everything I can to avoid complete teardown and rebuild, if I can utilize the existing foundation and utilities it is a huge cost savings both in construction and in paperwork and permiting.

So far everything is self-financed (savings and credit) and no liens on the property.

I assume you can roll paint, so while you have these contractors lined up, as them what the cost would be, see what paint costs along with your materials and consider your time, doing this may save you some money on small things you might do yourself, but you can present the bids and the appraisal to base your offer on.You also need to explain that an appraisal is an estimate, not a true value and that you need to make a reasonable profit if you are in the business and justify your offer.Saying older lady doesn't mean much, if she is elderly I suggest you take some additional steps after you get a contract and that is to involve some center of influence, her kids, her attorney or someone who may advise her.