well, to be honest, you probably should not be putting offers out until you have already been pre-approved. Most people are wanting pre-approval letters with the offer anyways, and they will most definitely give preference to pre-approved or cash offers.
Second, the house will need to appraise high enough to justify the added 15K in repairs you are requesting. So, you have to make sure that whatever you are asking for and whatever deal you put together price wise, the appraisal will justify it.
Third, you said no lates in 12 months correct? Are there any lates post BK. Generally any lates post BK can be a deal killer. They will overlook a BK, but the credit has to be spotless post BK. You might get a late or two slipped by if it was in 04 or 05, but if you have any in tha past 24 months it may be hard to get any approval.
Personally, if I were you, I would refrain from making any offers and risking any earnest deposits until I had a pre-approval from a lender. There si no point in putting offers in until you now you can get the loan. This is especially true with a BK in the last 5 years.
