Wow, have fun in your eco-chamber. 

have you had any luck moving forward on this?

If he is busy and successful as you say, he should always have work for you. 

Total rent between the three is $3200/month.I have an adjustable 20 year mortgage with a balance of $100,000~ at 4.95% that is set to adjust in 2026.I also have a HELOC on that property at $180K~ with a 9.75% rate. 

The contract should have outlined the amount of earnest money you deliver.

Realtors do this every day.. this is not an uncommon experience.. just ask one who has dealt with a listing that is going through a divorce.. the really hairy ones for me is when I bought at court house steps  and then go to the door to introduce myself as the new owner..

We have some student rental units that turnover every year.

Our guests have ranged from newly hired UNR football coaches relocating their families to individuals traveling for medical care, couples on ski leases for Mt.

Buy and hold is the first obvious answer, but have you considered being the bank yourself? 

Happy to connect and answer any questions you may have.