Let them know how much you enjoy living in the home and mention that you’re planning to buy your own property in 2025.

The factors you mentioned are very important to keep in mind for any investment, but I like investing in areas I know. 

As @Benjamin Aaker mentioned, a personal loan might be a better option.

Easiest answer, which is mentioned above and exactly what we would do, is just put a small sentence in your description and house rules.

I’ve heard David Green mention it in a podcast recently.  

I watched the webinar and noted his mention of mid March.

You mention having a mentor.

What I would do is talk to the neighbor and mention that the fence looks like crap and I am willing to replace it on my dime .

If they have an legally binding agreement, you need to honor that agreement and pay the fee.If you failed to mention to the agent that they are going to get paid, and then explained how, of course they won't present the offer.

As Alex mentioned (thanks Alex), I run the Santa Barbara meetup.