SFH rentals, quite high IMO, and I have until this February 14th to appeal myself, date sneaking up on me. 

To me at my current knowledge level, this deal only works if taking over the loan - to limit the out of pocket money to acquire the property since the outside reno and new septic would take up the bulk of rehab costs. 

If the tenant is from another state, a background check cost of up to $25 may also apply (sec. 704.085).It is unclear to me if I am actually in breach of this rule by charging the tenant more than the $25 limit, even though it is through a third party.

Exactly  its why I only respond to limited PM's.

Can I do it as an investment property first and move into it at a later date?     

Like you, when I'm working with clients I highlight the key advantages of the conventional rehab loans (Fannie Mae's Homestyle and Freddie Mac's CHOICERenovation) are:- They can be used for investment properties- You can include luxury items- They have a higher limit – $806,500 in most places.Jeff

If OP has not already tried calling every we buy houses ad in the area, they should also do that. 3 days is very limiting though - no time to waste. 

Quote from @Simon Walker: Quote from @Andrew Syrios: Could you "split the difference" so to speak and go back to work for yourself but limit the number of clients you take on so you only need to work 20 or so hours a week?

@Mike ReynoldsRegarding your comment that if you need funds you can use money from your side business:You can't use non-retirement funds to pay for expenses related to real estate held inside you Solo 401k.Subject to the contribution rules and income limitations, you may be able to contribute non-retirement funds to your Solo 401k (e.g. as an employee or employer contribution) and then you could use the funds in your 401k to pay for expenses related to real estate owned by your Solo 401k.

So much depends on your intended move out date since you said you're moving out faster than expected.