There is likely going to be some tradeoff in terms of cash-on-cash return and future appreciation, but if your long-term goal is wealth-building you may be able to compromise on the near term cash flow. 

If you compromise:  purchase 2 pallets , they lay it , they maintain it , they reimburse or replace if it dies. 

I think that's a fair compromise given what little I know about the specifics of your lease and other aspects of the situation.

Eventually it will be a rental and we don't want to pay a high mortgage loan and compromise that extra available income for future investments. 

The compromise seems to be living in Arlington.

I will say though, ive dropped my Makitas many times and they are a solid set up, and until me and my guy I've got working with a dewalt set up make a compromise, I'm makita all the way (lol).

Seller will install a HVAC Cage to secure the HVAC unit that has already been compromised and all wiring has already been cut from unit, or allow buyer access to install HVAC Cage. 5 day inspection period, most of which is to make sure AC Unit is secure.

Seem to be a good compromise between ROI, sustainability and effort.

Has it been treated and did the termites compromise the structure? 

As a compromise, you can have a wrap that goes through an escrow company.Sellers are only going to sell on a sub2 if they are motivated.