In addition develop and document your rental criteria so that everyone knows the rules of engagement.Check with local laws and ordinances but this should include things like:Minimum credit score, no evictions on record, income required (3X monthly rent), criminal record, references, etc.Other items to determine in advance:Animal policy, smoking policy....Having these in place before you have the conversation makes it much easier and less emotional.

My wife definitely wasn't on board emotionally because she love our neighborhood and she comfortable.

Emotional attachment will kill you.

This is just a variation of either #3 above (temporary renting) or #5 below (disguised sale).

@Marissa Liesenfelt what I like about single family homes and condos is that they appeal to the end buyer who will always pay a premium and buy on emotion.

The owner did get back to us after our second letter that included an offer price, and basically said she is not ready to sell the house, but I am top of her list when she is ready (family home and a lot of emotion tied in letting it go).  

Whether they call it a service dog/emotional support dog, it really doesn't matter as long as they have the letter.

This is great advice though, makes no sense jumping into a deal and paying way over ask because of emotion.

Just because family is involved, does not mean there is a thief in waiting.Learning is such fun once the emotion is removed!

No wonder we have so many Gen X'ers that need emotional support animals to cope with life.There are 12,000 stairway deaths per year but there are only 300 ladder deaths per year.