We had too much rain in the spring, so we weren’t able to set up the property in order to catch the height of house-buying.

Sometimes highlighting those little perks can catch someone's eye.Also, consider whether your listing is reaching the right audience.

You can buy it Subject to the existing mortgage, have them deed the property to you, you will catch up their areears and rent it out. 

Quote from @Jay Fayz: Quote from @Benjamin Aaker: You need to take a look at this deal from an investor's eye.

As you also mentioned “if you marry someone that is unwilling to fight it out, you deserve what you get. “ That is a fair statement, but as we both know, there’s some liars out there in the world that will promise to death do us part that will eye the door handle after the second disagreement.. the second disagreement after marriage of course and especially if they’re going to get taken care of financially in a big way for being a quitter. 

Pulling the wool over someone's eyes can happen in any relationship, is not conducive to long-term success, and should be condemned.Your original reply asked for "someone to explain to me how this model truly benefits the property owner".

If his intention was to rip people off, wouldn't it eventually catch up with him and he'd go to jail? 

Meanwhile, their mom wants to list a house and their friend wants to buy a house at the same time (taking their eye of the ball).

Just keep an eye on interest rates and your ability to cover any cash flow gaps.Consider properties that need a bit of work or up-and-coming neighborhoods for better deals.

So I would be suspiciously looking out for "what's the catch?"