I hope that this site and the many people you meet along the way will be fulfilling and enrich your real estate endeavors.

And then he gets a cat as a pet...wouldn't I be fully within my rights to fulfill the terms of the contract and keep his deposit?  

The necessary steps are: 1. a definite purpose backed by burning desire for its fulfillment, 2. a definite plan, expressed in continuous action, 3. a mind closed tightly against all negative and discouraging influences, including negative suggestions of relatives, friends, and acquaintances, and 4. a friendly alliance with one or more persons who will encourage one to follow through with both plan and purpose."

Make sure your ducks are in a row and you have a solid plan that allows you to move in within 60 days of purchase, while fulfilling your obligations to the first purchase requirements of 1 year of residency.

If you happen to have a family and a SUV that has great crash-rating is important, then getting that SUV fulfills you, your family and clients.

I'm thinking that even though the house may not have a mortgage, could it not be possible the owner has not been paying taxes, or not fulfilling other local code violations?  

Do not make promises that you cannot fulfill. 

There is no legal requirement to fulfill the Status Letter other than producing a final billing.

As a bird dog, you wouldn't necessarily approach the seller - that's your buyer's job.As a wholesaler, you can only make claims that you know your buyer can fulfill.

(If the tenant has moved out) Did the tenant fulfill their lease obligation and give proper notice?