He requires me to get atleast 5 grand to be able to put down or more preferably.

I recommend South Irving, Grand Prairie and Arlington in DFW area.

Here in my county in Maryland , there is a $ 20 grand  hook up fee paid when you get the permit to build , then you pay the utility contractor extra to do the work .  

There are many developments along the Grand Parkway where you can get good deals and the entire area is exploding with new growth.

The lady I spoke to (the grand daughter) said her grandma just wants to sell for what they owe, which is around $171K according to her.

Almost two grand a month for rent?

We might put a few grand in it to make it more appealing (carpet, paint).

Have a off-market lead for home near Grand Rapids, MI.

You better be up on collection laws, have an equitable, financially equitable interest in the outcome, more than a grand in a transaction this size for your reasons to get involved, so again, are you an attorney or will you be getting one?

You should definitely put a premium on that vs. a town 5-10 miles away where you can park a truck...I am with the people that think that the guy probably doesn't want to deal with the job so quoted several grand more than he should have to see if you will bite and make it worth it to him.Let us know what your other bids come in at.