That is a ridiculous notion based on the assumption that IF  a landlord accepts a partial payment then they have agreed to cancel the eviction in exchange.

The notion that he has a "DTI" ratio with a commercial loan and some how that has a major role here is simply is not likely.

The only way I see that it would help is if the bank accepts the notion that a short sale is usually well below market value.

@Diane G.Didn't have any notion of privacy issue.  

Don't by into the notion that the ROI will be low here.  

I stocked away any additional money I "saved" by renting with a roommate vs. buying and put it in the notional bucket of "house down payment" for later down the line.A little more than a year ago, I moved to Houston knowing almost nothing about the city.

Ok so that sounds like the notion of "wait until the crash" isn't really an actual strategy?

Believe me, regardless of the economy, they want to make money everyday.Not knowing your market, IMO, you may be giving more credit to the notion of a cash deal, most sellers and local banks as well as RE Brokers will take financed deals, they don't care if it is a sure thing and done in a timely manner.

@Daniel Ryu I am just not comfortable with the notion of "student" - how about a slightly more experienced colleague...?

This may relieve pressure and takes on the notion of incentive instead of punishment which might make for a happier union.