Actual receipt is money in your hand of course. 

And of course your area may be different in terms of cost and also some jobs don't require a full cosmetic renovation, but most of mine have.Then of course check the big ticket items like HVAC, roof, exterior siding/masonry repair, windows, interior sheetrock replacement, foundation and water heater and know approximately what it will cost to fix/replace each if warranted.  

Indianapolis Area:  Need advice on finding a lender that works with people with bad credit in 540 area.

Indianapolis Area:  Need advice on finding a lender that works with people with bad credit in 540 area.

It's a semi-large bank and working with a local credit union seems more appealing (plus the added benefit of proving him completely wrong). 

Generally, will 2.5yrs of US credit history be enough in my specific case (assuming everything else is in check)?

You can not practice real estate, but you still need to maintain your ce credits.

Of course if they are willing they can sign a new lease anytime. but is there a problem with me telling the tenants right off the batWell yes, you described some of the potential problems yourself. 

yes of course. 

I got a HELOC a while back through Pentagon Federal Credit Union.