It was “real success” Joe arias. 

Taxes, costs, eviction complexity, etc are going to be a much bigger factor in your success than anything else.

To be successful as a real estate investor in any form - except maybe purchasing the Vanguard REIT index fund - an investor needs education, knowledge and understanding of real estate principles, real estate law, and real estate finance.  

these can produce good returns but best chance for success is for those that have experience in this area (I am a partner on an effort adding 8 ADUs, but it is not performing to the initial underwriting (underperforming) and it is an experienced team).good luck I get it, but not everyone has the opportunity of scale and building multiple units.

If house hacking has been successfully executed, have you considered exploring a new house hack opportunity and converting your primary residence into a rental? 

Your ability to be successful is less about knowing strategies, and more about knowing what result you need, what type of investor you are, and maximizing the results by having systems in place.  

House hacking is such a smart way to get started, and your focus on value-add opportunities will set you up for success.

I saw many highly successful hard working people lose money to them as well as people who couldn't afford it.

Has anyone been in a similar position, or has had success offering this type of agreement to a previous owner of a property who has not yet voluntarily vacated?

The successful wholesalers are the ones that are direct with the seller and have done an analysis on the deal to show it can be a successful investment (always double check with your own)totally agree, I would add the don't act sketchy and present their available homes in a consistent/professional manner to buyers.