However, I’d think most contracts have a deadline for performance where you can then terminate and get your earnest money deposit back and move on.

Take a higher deposit if you want to rent to them would be my recommendation

Lastly, it could be that the bank is going to portfolio your loan at below-market pricing because they want the entire banking relationship (deposits, transaction processing, consumer lending, etc) or simply want the risk (yield).Lots of local and regional banks have been retaining loans at really aggressive pricing recently as the current environment makes this favorable for them.

Then you will have a 10ish min quick walk through the property and if his pictures matches the reality and you don't see anything abnormal, then after you sign with him assignment agreement and you put nonrefundable deposit and close in about whatever days you agreed on(usually up to 10).  

My realtor/PM says $0.95 to $1.05 per sq. ft. is a reasonable monthly rent for a 4 BR/2 BA property in that area, which (according to the BiggerPockets calculator estimate I did) is enough to cover the monthly payment plus the above costs I mentioned.I anticipate putting down my deposit and earnest money in the next few days. 

I'm matching the terms you have above... it may make sense to look at a 3 year Prepay instead because the adjustment is minimal usually.Lender 1: 7.25% With 2 Points Up Front or 7.99% if you want to do a 0 Point Loan.

Nothing herein is legal advice.Effective July 1, 2024, California Civil Code section 1950.5 generally prohibits a landlord from collecting more than one month’s rent as security deposit, whether the rental is furnished or not.

I don't engage in online shouting matches. 

The seller could simply retain the deposit.

For example, I often see Buyers purchase property thinking there is a $1,000 deposit but then the tenant claims it was $2,000 because they paid the last month's rent.