When you charge under market rent, the IRS deems that you do not have a profit motive and, therefore, disallows all rental expenses. 

These people have been labeled as "motivated sellers."

So far, the FOA is covered by the fruit production. 

When I made my earnest money deposit, in Oct, I was told production would be in 2022 and completed by 2023.

If the sell is motivated enough, then the wholesaler has all the value in the world.

Investment bankers are usually looking to lend to a LLC vs an individual.

I guess I could do some work-arounds -- maybe reserve one unit in the first purchase for use as an AirBnb, and reserve my own time in it when needed - instead of claiming it as a primary.Are either of you (or anyone) familiar with a finance product/loan that will allow me to purchase under $150,000 (w/ strong credit) and do much of my own work and live-in a portion as a primary residence?  

You can start to educate yourself on the individual components; how much does it cost to paint on a per sqft basis or what is an average kitchen remodel.  

Quote from @Red Smith: Sheriff Sales are conducted by counties, so each county will have its own individual rule set for how the auction is conducted.

IE motivate them for money.