The next applicant that does not also have that requirement waived can cry foul. 

In any case I left the windows open a lot despite the time of year and the smell is starting to go away..

Of course it tool GCD 5 months to tell me this so I smell a huge scam here but it is unclear who is covering up for whom.

In my opinion its best to have an influx of sfhs and multi's.Yes in the midwest rust belt states you can find these homes dirt cheap and some are money pits but on the other hand some are cash cows and u ge them at great prices but what im also finding is that if you're wholesaling them some are hard to get rid of.I say you really have to have a good team either way it go though.Never buy sight unseen thats for sure,I have a friend of mines that has a 6 unit that he paid 1k for in Dayton Ohio right now and unloading it for 6k so these deals are readily available,also take in mind these are alot of areas where arson in pretty rampant.But theres risks in every deal u make,no deal will be foul proof.Dont get scared of talk to other investors,Theres some investors making boat loads of money off of these same properties in the hood where the suit and tie guys wont even get down and look at.For the same price you get these sfhs at you can get multis at the same price period.

Bad tenants drive away good tenants and you will find yourself fighting an uphill battle.

Between the attorney costs, the eviction battle and the repairs, it can be wise to at least figure out if helping offset the tenant’s moving expenses would be less expensive and less aggravating in the long run.Homes that are purchased at foreclosure are purchased “as is.”

If you submit what you proposed and they fight back/reject it'll be a upward battle on cancelling and getting the EMD back. 

If aggressive people who would rather fight battles instead of focus on winning wars think you are a pushover, let them think it, but it sounds like you are making money with a supportive team while reducing stress in your life by choosing smart solutions that seem to be win-win.  

Signed lease, partial payment, transfer of possession and control of the premises smells like a tenancy to me.You would be wise to see an attorney, and quickly.

Fighting it marijuana is a loosing battle.