If I went to the investor and said "hey, I'll pay you $x amount per month to keep living here with the intention of buying it later" would that be an attractive offer?

Call them to let them know your loan status, options, intentions, and possible outcomes.

I think Ill pass. 

We have a 14-page management contract that we've added our real experiences to over the years, with the intent of protecting both us AND the landlord.

Try looking into zillow/Redfin and see what your potential rents you can get near the neighborhood by filtering the bedrooms/bathrooms of the intentional property that you are planning to buy.

In March I purchased a house in Mansfield, Ohio to rehab, with the intentions of selling it in the spring, or renting it.

Ill message you! 

Try looking into zillow/Redfin and see what your potential rents you can get near the neighborhood by filtering the bedrooms/bathrooms of the intentional property that you are planning to buy.

I have no intentions of ever selling.I buy stuff where I would like to go on vacation.I don't need any more income so my motivation is buying what I like or acquiring deals.

If someone had an "event" in their life (illness, divorce, etc) then we may be willing to accept that, but if someone has had their vehicle repoed, they have items in collections, and a history of late payments, we'll pass.