@John Jackson would agree, the road to Hell is paved with Good Intentions.

Instead, you just have to get them to agree to pay $XXXX in closing costs - that's much easier to negotiate (and seller paid debt, for all intents and purposes, is written on the settlement as a closing cost).

Talk to them, and tell them your intentions.

I'm seriously considering sending out "three option letters of intent" to supplement my yellow letter marketing.

I got into the real estate investment market space by accident and I am ready to be here intentionally now.

This is intentional.

I have no intention of doing that. 

This could be a bad move, as if a loss occurs your claim would likely be denied since it's vacant, with no effort/intent to rent.

I live about 1.5 hours away from St Louis with the intention of moving closer to the city.

Communicate your intent to further communicate.