As an investor with a good deal of experience, I'd suggest starting your endeavor without using the expression "getting rid" of people.

@Lillie MAnon,You expressed a desire to live in the down south place a portion of the year without me or anyone else prompting/nudging/hinting, so I'll share this option because I believe you can mostly accomplish your goals without fraud and I don't believe you want to commit fraud.Buy the first one FHA 3.5% down primary residence.

He has expressed to me that this is where he wants to live.

For your information I had not flipped in quite some time before 1-1/2 years ago when my son-in-law @Ryan Mitchell and daughter expressed an interest in doing so.

Could allow for a lender here on BP to see it and express interest.

If you sit down with someone and express your needs and wants we can get to work finding things that might fit what you are looking for.  

If you do not intend to purchase as stated in the contract then you are not acting in good faith nor are you expressing your true intentions which is lying, you contract is voidable.

Although the out of town owner hires someone to maintain gut the grass, the structure is becoming an eyesore as kids break windows, vines grow up the walls of the home, ext....The owner has hired a third party payment service to pay for the grass to be mowed, deal with the city code dept. ect...I have attempted to send letters to the owner via the third party payment company expressing my interest in purchasing the property and have spoke to the representative at the payment company who tells me that the owner does not want to call me at this time.

Did you end up going through real estate express and if so what was your experience? 

If you are convinced this person is not relaying info to the seller than mail out a letter etc. to the seller expressing interest.