I need some help from my Active Rain Encyclopedia of Peers who know everything and have an opinion on anything.  Let me say up front I absolutely know that it boils down to what the VA appraiser will say.  I am looking for general information, stories, and advice, etc etc.  Since it is Sunday and I know many of you are out there......I cannot wait til Monday.  Can you help me??

My VA buyer desperately wants a home.  They realize they may be at the bottom of the food chain when putting an offer in with all the competition on our area.  (On a side note and probably a whole new blog---why are our veterans treated this way??) 

We have looked at countless homes and put competitive offers in, yet cash is king, then conventional loans then FHA and then maybe, just maybe, a VA offer will get the nod from the seller.  In our case it most likely will be a bank.

Yes I know about Sec 1 and 2 must be cleared, I feel comfortable writing an offer and have gotten several VA loans through in the past year. I know if I see holes in the walls or no stove or the furnace does not work it will be called.  We are trying to think outside the box and looking at older homes which have their own arms and legs to them. 

Can ANYONE tell me if a garage is stand alone does it have to pass Sec 1 and 2? What if it was built in 1940?  What if there is a back unit which was permitted, BUT not the bath/small kitchen that was put in later?

How far does the appraiser look for permits? I am trying to scratch the surface to find out the deal dropper appraisal requirements/conditions for VA past the Sec 1 and Sec 2.

Please rain upon me with you help!