In regards to your insurance question, I would insist that the owner of the home add you to their landlord policy as an "Additional Insured". 

., no one is talking about taking guns away (at least those who matter in our government), it's not that I disagree with your insistance on the right to bear arms, it's the reasoning you give to do so, actually thinking that as a citizen you'd be willing to fight the government.

We’ve had contractors who have insisted that we pull our own permits to save them time.

Some sellers insist on having earnest money with the title company and some sellers could care less if there's anything deposited with the title company.

One place to start would be insisting that both members of investing couples are on the interview, rather than just the man.  

We tried to explain that we don't do short sales or go to auctions, in case that was what he was referring to, but he kept insisting "I know exactly what you guys are doing."

You might have to buy insurance, if your transactional lender insists.

By his/her signature herein below, Seller specifically agrees to the provision stated in this paragraph: (1) Buyer may cancel this Agreement, (2) Buyer may insist upon the specific performance of the Seller under this Agreement, or (3) Buyer shall be entitled to receive from Seller a total sum of $50,000 or 25 percent of the contractual price, whichever one is greater.

If they insist on a short balloon and high down payment, either have other financing in line before the balloon, buy it with cash or walk away, IMO.Go to your attorney for a note, watch this seller closely!

Donald, yes I did use a credit card though the YL company insists I ordered the owner occupied.