That rule didn't used to be enforced on homes that were so damaged you couldn't live in them but in the last year or so they are enforcing that rule.As Paul stated above many times a listing agent or Seller will state CASH ONLY due to the poor and dangerous condition of the house as to preclude any normal loan they know about.

Persisting in the face of real threat is dangerous.

They may not want to as if the deal falls through they are now left with an empty unit.BTW, don't assume that registered sex offender is any more dangerous than that nice senior citizen that likes to clean up the yard to make the place pretty for everyone.

A select few tenants want this deal and even fewer qualify.What I have tried:I offer a lease and a separate declining balance purchase option.

Las Vegas and Phoenix have fewer renters because retirees. 

As many members already stated, taking action based on predicting market highs and lows is a dangerous and usually short lived past time. 

Concerns: Still dangerous?

Faster close and/or fewer or no contingencies are the most common. 

We also find it even more difficult if you'd like to focus on a specific set of towns as there will be even fewer opportunities you could find.

I'd think fewer people would sell a property in the fall, right after the tenants are in place so should I expect it to be harder to find a good property until say, spring?