If you have the stomach and the checkbook you need up with a pretty nice house cheaper than new construction.

Also find out what types of neighborhoods that can stomach being in.

This long commute has become more and more difficult to stomach over the past couple years, especially as our family has recently gotten bigger. 

He is potentially going to pull his property off the market for you and wants to make sure you are someone to take seriously as the last thing a seller wants is to loose up to 30 days to someone that doesn't have the experience/stomach for the deal and that you're not just a tire kicker.You will have earnest money up (typically 1%) but you can still bale on him within your feasibility (due diligence) period and get all back less independent consideration.He's trying to vet you before contract.

But that I can stomach a bit more as I know of other companies that do it.

If you think you have the gift, stomach and the parks ok, counter to the advice here I suggest you go ahead with your venture.  

I'm sitting on a $700k fourplex in San Diego, $350k in equity in three years and a cap rate that makes me sick to my stomach when thinking about it.... 

Otherwise, I would recommend renting it out on a short-term or long-term basis depending on the type of risk you can stomach.

We had the cash on hand to stomach the capex, but it was not fun.

If you can stomach room mates, the bedroom rental house hack is fantastic.