This is a pretty textbook specific performance case where you could demand in a court case that the judge orders the seller to sell the property to you for what you proposed.Also, how did you not discover the foreclosure? 

Make sure you work with an accountant who is familiar with that.Enrolled Agent, or an EA, is a designation for a professional who practices in taxation.The requirement to become an EA is to pass 3 exams related to tax and to take continue education in tax related matters.Certified Public Accountant, or CPA, is a designation for a professional who performs Tax, Assurance or Advisory.The requirements to become a CPA is 120 or 150 college credits(depending on state) passing 4 exams related to taxation, law, accounting, audit and management.

That real estate out performs the SP500 and nasdaq.FSBO and REO properties also which was great. 

I don't want to go wheeling and dealing properties, I want to find ones that perform and I want to hold them for a long duration of time (minimum of 18 years).With that said, my "analysis over time" becomes quite important, right?

Do you perform an annual walk through of your unit each time an existing tenant renews a lease?

If you can’t find a buyer, that seller could go after you for specific performance.

Avery's podcast talks about buying a place with no internet as their first property and I believe she said it's their best performing property.

Costs will be higher with this route, but it would accomplish your design to not have any one individual "on the hook" for non-performance of the loan.However, I'd encourage you to either be comfortable with the liability in the deal or to not do the deal.  

If you're really building an in-depth list, get back to me again and I'll update you on their(Isbell) performance.

Am I able to put a contingency on my assignment contract saying I can back out if my buyer doesn't perform?