Or who has been on the other side of the transaction representing buyers of fixers?

I frequently must send people to buyers agents with my own listings.  

Even though Harvey was the 500 or even the 1000yr flood,  the first question from every buyer is going to be........"

I'm tempted to make an offer now to try to get locked in early at a good price (before other competing buyers show up).  

My attorney said the reason for that was that the seller then could try to raise the price to cover the lien, and sell to another buyer, in the hot market.

Correct me if i'm wrong please.I think you're taking a risk on hoping that you have one buyer in line to buy it.

The buyer purchased in April 2015 for $33.87/sq ft.

It can be as little as $1 or a really substantial amount - typically a similar amount as earnest money.With an option you know that you will be able to buy the property as agreed and the seller doesnt have to worry about finding another buyer, as they have collected an option fee you would not want to loose.

Those I've known who have done it already have buyers lined up.

Can I actually flip a house and make profit, paying literally nothing, except the time I invest in finding the deal and a buyer?