I wouldn't be opposed of doing a 6mo. lease agreement.

As veterans you can probably use your VA benefits to buy a house but that's more on an individual basis as opposed to doing stuff collectively.

Install outlet for refrigerator.3.Replace all receptacle outlets and switches.4.Furnish/Install outlet for refrigerator.5.Furnish/Install GFI receptacle in exterior rear yard only.6.Furnish/Install six recess lights in kitchen, install 12 recess lights in basement.7.Install 20amp circuit for microwave.8.Furnish/Install customer’s chandelier.9.Furnish/Install three smoke/CO2 detectors one on each level.10.Furnish/Install GFI in basement bath and second floor bath 11.

As I'm painting exterior of house today I had 3 people come ask me if the property was for sale.

We sent them a bar graph of their usage and literature from the utility that explained nicely how much less it costs to heat the unit with gas as opposed to space heaters.

I found out from the realtor that it had been under contract and the inspection revealed in so many words:-there is an underground storage tank (I'm assuming underground here)-"water intrusion" around window and exterior wall. 

After further prying on my part, she said that he's been paying $300 more a month since January because his intentions are to buy it (and she's been accepting said payments because she's in the process of selling it to him, technically).However, she contacted me because she wants the money now (as opposed to in the next 2 years or however long), and said that I could purchase it since they "have no written contract."

Here you might be able to appeal to a lack of housing units in the district and the fact that this will help keep multiple units in the area as opposed to ending up with just one SFR.

I also did a google street view on the property ( out of area for me) and I was looking at a couple thousand exterior work and AC unit replacement, so I was 15k lower than asking price.  

I believe I did everything right and can't understand why the tenant couldn't call/leave a voicemail and text as oppose to banging on my door (I live in a duplex and rent the other unit).