Now if it was me, I would have gone over myself to initially survey the problem and at the least meet the plumber over there to assess the damage.  

Also, always a pleasure meeting someone that's from the valley!

There are a few options(1)You can get connected with the larger wholesaler firms in the area (2) go through PCPAO site and skiptrace the buyers of similar properties as yours, (3) hunt down the agents involved in the sale of properties similar to yours or go to local REI meetings and pitch it to the investors there. 

Builders are stepping up to meet demand, and buyers are taking advantage of opportunities in new construction that they simply can’t find in the existing-home market right now.

You need to make sure you're working with someone whose sending you personalized deal flow that actually meets your buying criteria.

Nothing illegal about doing that, but if caught, the lender may call the loan due and if you don't correct the situation or pay the loan off, they willstart mortgage foreclosure.3) You could also go the HELOC route to tap the equity in the home, but the 12-month owner-occupancy will also apply AND the interest rate on the HELOC will fluctuate with the Fed Fund Rate.4) You could do a cashout refi as an investment property, but that will be at an interest rate 0.5-1% higher than owner-occupied rate.Suggest you meet with 2-3 lenders to explore your options about the above.Once you have access to funds, recommend you buy a 2-4 unit with 20-25% down. - You can buy owner-occupied, live in one unit, and fix up and rent the other unit(s).- If you're handy, recommend buying a property in the worst condition you can tolerate.

You already seemed to conclude you are forcing this deal, I would agree unless there's a reason why this property will appreciate significantly in the near future and the 40 year amortization schedule allows you to hold on for that to occur. 

I've found this to be super helpful: When someone inquires about the property Thank them and Send them the pre-requirements (Income, credit, no evictions) and ask if they meet them.

Hi everyone, I am in Japan meeting with some agents.

The interest rate is 7%, so we suggest this property is for someone who wants to get into Lease Options and meets the other requirements such as adequate reserves and credit.That means, they buy the property, they wind up with $50,000 in equity and they do a Lease Option to a buyer who doesn't currently own a house, but wants to.