I have as of today ran my credit and I am approved for the required amount he is asking for. 

You will always need permission or approval from someone else. 

Hey there BP family,A few months ago, I went through the process of getting pre-approved to see where I was at, and everything was looking good.

However, my family does own an 11,000-acre ranch.Is there a way I can take a HELOC type of deal out of the ranch so I can put approval for the loan for the duplex?

A non-violent crime from almost a decade ago should have no bearing on your approval to purchase a condo unit.  

If they express interest, tell them the sales price and give them 14 days to come back with a pre-approval letter and offer.

An additional question: In the contract we recieved, it states: "Seller will provide estoppel certificates as a required delivery item prior to the close of escrow and estoppels will not be subject to any buyer contingency approval.

I am looking to obtain pre-approval so I can start really searching for my first deal.

You MUS select an FHA 203K or B approved Lender. 

I am in the process of trying to get pre-approval to purchase a rental property.