This is a time to get your business and personal affairs in order to come out of this stronger than ever. 

Ask most local lenders in that area what thresholds they can conventionally lend on 1 house not a portfolio with other stronger assets linked but 1 house. 

Money in hand, although not 100%, is a much stronger show someone will be following through.

And the reason is, that it not only should gain you access, but it would position you in a much stronger position, if they try to take you to court or not pay their rent. 

Lastly ~ If all else fails, I'd probably open up a wall or two (simple squares ~ easily patchable) to see if the stench is stronger on that side.  

When I started in real estate in 1990, The Texas Assoc of Realtors lease was 4 pages and now its 16 and basically no stronger or weaker that it was back thenAside from addressing a few issues such as pets, occupants and such all leases basically say one thing :  YOU PAY YOU STAYI think you are overthinking this and incurring unnecessary costs. 

Otherwise, as that number creeps lower, the argument that we have a class of victims of the system, as unpaleteable as victim messages may be, has stronger legs to stand on.

But I know a thorough screening must be done, and this is all just part of a learning experience.On top of that, this was our home for 2 years before we turned it into a rental, so I have a stronger emotional attachment to it then to a property I never lived in.

This can be a learning moment for you and can make you stronger and wiser.

There are stronger applicants out there and if you keep looking you will find them.