If you ask enough owners, you will find some who are willing to do it. 

I have come across a wholesaler who is assigning a contract on a property where they have negotiated seller finance terms with the owner.

Most work like this: •Rates: 9% to 13% (Most Deals are 11-12%)Terms: up to 36 Months (Most Deals are 6-12 months)Fees: 2-4 points(%) of loan amount paid at closing (Most Deals are 3 points(%))Minimum Loan Amount: $50,000 (For loans less than $250,000 $2,500 minimum fee)Max Loan: 65%-70% of After Repair Value(ARV) 100% Rehab Financing Available (Require 20% of purchase price down payment or cross-collateral)Closing Timeframe: 48 Hours - 3 Weeks (Most Deals are 2 Weeks)NO PRIMARY RESIDENCES, NON-OWNER OCCUPIED ONLY, BUSINESS AND COMMERCIAL USE ONLY.

In other words, I don't advocate to working for a good CPA and trusting them to do it... their job is to fill in the right forms but you need to be in control as the owner and not let the consultant dictate the scope of work.

The owner has done some questionable work with the kicker being an un-permitted unfinished addition that would either add 150 sqft or cost to remove/rebuild, still not sure how I want to approach this. 

I really shouldn’t spend too much time on this because my offer very well simply be declined by the owner.

Were the houses in reasonable shape or were they trashed by an upset previous owner?

Unknown contact detail of prior owner.

well reality is the 200k has better schools  better tenant base to chose from and since your at the median or above not all the homes are being sold landlords the majority is going to owner occupied.. there by making nicer neighborhoods nicer streets and place were those premium tenants will want to live. 

You live in one of the biggest REI areas of the country, so smart to take advantage, especially now that they opened up 3 and 4 unit multis to owner occupant low downpayment options.I looked at a great 4 -plex available in Gladstone for $365, will probably go for $385.great deal. good condition. $800 per 2 bed /1 bath unit. quick mortgage calculator puts zero% down monthly payment at $3500, plus then offset with $2400 puts you on the hook for $1100.