There are ways to appeal if they don't count a unit, like referencing mid-1950 water records, but I wouldn't bank on that as a buyer. 

@Matt Burton, a couple of responders like the idea of you being the person to sub-lease to an end-"buyer", but, don't let yourself be played by the seller, who looks to want to squeeze every last dollar out of you as the end-buyer!

Cash buyers and FHA houshakers simply beat all other offers.

I'm still an active buyer in Houston, thoguh it's getting VERY HARD to buy as there is SOOOO much money chasing very few deals so CAP rates have been compressed. 

How do we figure out what we can afford and what programs are available for first time buyers.

If you can find someone who specializes in fire rehabs you might try it otherwise you might have trouble finding a buyer for the right price. 

Maybe on a small scale, but in a tight market, buyers are slightly hesitant to give anything away, be it to a colleague, lender, or anyone in between, regardless of the likelihood.

So Douglas, @Doug Pretorius this means that when I "assign" my rights to a tenant buyer, I'm thinking my personal information will remain on the lease & option paperwork?

He does have a lot of background knowledge and info about this market, but he seems to be very lackadaisical in my opinion on generating interest and reaching potential buyers.

The seller and I have agreed upon pricing and I am in search of a buyer for rent or a flip.