On top of the fact that, even in a community that had a residual reputation for maybe being a little bit snake-like (thanks gurus), most people were genuinely pretty amazing and (to me) super knowledgeable about real estate. 

@Troy ThompsonHave a look at the VA lending handbook under the "joint loan" section.

Rules to follow in real estate investingif the numbers don't work don't do it don't get emotionally involved with sellers, you have to be an a****** about it, but you do need to be realistic about what's possible for you to help them, look at joint venturing with the seller to fix up properties and get some kind of profit by helping them

I do have a genuine interest in the property and I would be negligent if I failed to ask if you would consider leasing the property?

I don't know if they bring in paid, sell your crap at the back of the room and Saturday paid session B.S. speakers, but it was a real pleasure to get to attend a REIA where the attendees were mostly active investors, they looked to genuinely like being there and the content shared by the three different groups that night was heavy on content and light on fluff.Kathleen Kramer did an excellent job going over economic data.  

Seemed genuine to me.At one point, I asked if he was looking for a bird dog. 

You may wish to be more conservative and qualify individuals but the fact is that it is a joint application for tenancy.

Can they still have the deed say "Community property with right of survivorship" or would they have to use "Joint tenancy with right of survivorship"?

People being aware of what you do can result in potential joint ventures, investors, and other collaborators. 

If you are genuinely understanding they will sense that and you may very well be the first person with a credible offer that is also respectful of their situation.