depending on the size of the home and the scope of work being done to rehab the existing portion, it may not be that out of line.  

As you probably already know, YouTube is a great resource for training videos on any home improvement projects.Have you thought about searching for a handyman who would be willing to perform home improvement projects in exchange for a reduction on a portion of the rent in your rental unit.

owner portion of utilities ?

He failed to uncover my motivation and vital information about the equity in the building.

Specificially, you should cross out a portion of the first sentence of section 15 and replace it with some other language, so that it reads: “If Buyer fails to comply with this contract, Buyer will be in default, and Seller may (a) enforce specific performance, seek such other relief as may be provided by law, or both, or (b), as Seller’s sole and exclusive remedy, terminate this contract and receive the earnest money as liquidated damages, thereby releasing both parties from this contract.”

Maybe if the owner is open to a small portion of the current NOI, you take every dime of your portion and use it towards renovating and filling units.

If I am understanding correctly, I cannot offer a portion of the rent as a credit towards the price of the house because it would violate Dodd Frank. 

Have the seller "carry" any portion of the down payment you cannot come up with.3.

Not rich per se, but enough to be free to enjoy life.I am keeping the goals portion (not the overall post, sorry again!) 

--The rent would be higher than that of a typical rental (to factor in taxes, insurance, the portion going towards the purchase, etc.), right?