If you really want the property and don't mind a small gamble put down an amount of earnest money that you will not be upset to lose and that if you were in the seller's shoes would make you feel OK about taking the property off the market for 60 days and make it non-refundable to be conveyed to Seller upon offer acceptance. 

There is no magic bullet or one size shoe fits all.

How would you begin if you were in my shoes?

Recovering addicts will listen to someone who has been in their shoes and is knowledgeable.

If I'm in your shoes, I would consider chatting with a couple of lenders to start off with mainly because your lack of income history would restrict you in terms of the financing you'd qualify for. 

This is not an easy market for investors or agents so you are not alone.I was in your same shoes 4 years ago, new agent and wanted to learn how to invest for myself.

Something about the entitlement, but I don't blame her and would feel the same in her shoes. 

Now if I was in your shoes???

But trust me, it's possible to make it happen even without a ton of cash or perfect credit.I’ve been in your shoes and managed to buy a number of properties without using my own credit or cash.

In your shoes, my goal would be to get to know folks and make connections - Open the door to have them communicate with you should there be any problems with the property and ensure they call you (not the cops).