Different goals, different timeline, different restrictions - and I suppose different appetite for risk. 

No EIN required unless you are going to hire employees, in which case you can just file an SS4 with IRS like you're supposed to do if you hire a live in maid or nanny. 

The seller will not sign off on the HUD if their title company was supposed to do closing and now they are not. 

Income is also set by HUD, 33% of qualifying income for rents, that is law for PHA or Section 8 (can vary by MSA with Sec 8) but only a basis for non-govt housing, I suppose the income discrimination stuff goes to that, I don't believe a landlord has to rent a $350 unit to someone who only makes $250, that doesn't wash.

.  --  A little more background for those who care to read:  The lease was supposed to start on the 1st but they requested to move in on the 28th so they could utilize the weekend.  

I suppose or next step is to contact a well drilling outfit?  

Supposedly turn key.

I suppose any offer would need to be contingent on obtaining financing......which may not seem like a firm/legit offer to the seller(s).Many thanks and successes to both of you for the mentoring!!! 

Grant Wieczorek There are cases where rent can/will be higher if renting to S8 (although that is not the way it's supposed to work).

Check the water meter when there's supposed to be no water running, is there a leak?