And if not, if repairs are somewhat substantial, would it be better to just wholesale this property to an investor if the numbers work out, considering I don't have any money for repairs? 

Here in Florida, agents are required to hand over all earnest money deposits to their broker or a title agent within 24 hours).If an independent third party such as a title company has the earnest money in escrow, and the seller doesn't dispute it, then they should return it promptly.If that option doesn't work out, I would suggest contracting the girlfriend's broker and explaining the situation.

For a retired person that might work out really well as it will be money they can use and travel wherever they please while the house is taken care of.

Now I don't know how intensive the process is in Oregon, that could be a good way to have a huge head start when you do decide to start investing.

I did work outs with about 20 of them. and helped them get through them..When we did sub too our company was VERY well capitalized and we could at any time payoff a mortgage with cash in full if the alienation clause was invoked by the underlying lender.

If you sell the property to someone one contract or with a lease/option you are probably selling slightly above market value...the high end of the market.You're going to run into the issue that you MUST catch the payments up with the bank or work out a loan modification. 

Will have to work out the detail to make sure we would both be on the same page for what is involved with having it "rental ready" when not in use.Curious if anyone has any stories to share with a deal like this?

You should be able to work out some of these things with them.  

If it doesn't work out I can evaluate the realtor route again. 

There have been a couple that make sense, but the majority of the numbers don't work out.