The BP city analysis used as its long duration 2010 to 2018.  

So machines run all week. mostly smoke, musky smells or houses that have been shut up for extended periods of time. mostly foreclosures that have been setting for a few years .

I don't exactly *know* I'm going not going to live there for a year, the builder may keep extending the closing date (which they keep doing due to COVID), or I may get hit by a bus.

Tell the seller agent you need X amount of time to extend your inspection period....or you will cancel. 

Good that you are consulting an attorney to help.Besides the initial phase when the contract is written nobody really looks at it until something goes wrong.Is there a specified duration for this job to be completed?

My hunch is that if I show up with a motivated buyer the seller might sign something but otherwise might put off moving his belongings, fail to extend auction date etc.

You can't take the risk...chances are the eviction moratorium will be extended and you could have a jobless tenant living for free for some time. 

If you moved because of a PCS the 2 out of the last 5 years rule is extended to 2 out of 10.

They’re looking for a short term 6 month lease option which will work well for me as their lease will be up in the summer if they decide not to extend.

I asked to extend the closing date with the buyers originally, but they refused stating that they were concerned with losing their mort. and not closing in time.