It sounds like if we are making verbal offers, I should make sure my realtor really stresses that I am ready and capable to make the offer and have the numbers to justify my offer price, and also make sure the "offer" is reaching the ears of the seller and not stopping at his/her realtor.But I think I'm leaning toward official full package offers with a "heads up" call from my realtor to the seller/seller's agent.

Good way to replace your income. 

., but it sounds like the bank still would need to accept the offer anyways. 

Sounds like a good course for a cheap price.

The septic is bad and needs to be replaced on a property I am considering.

(For example, the dishwasher broke and the landlord literally told us 'you guys buy and replace it and I'll reimburse you' so I got a cheap one on craigslist for 25$...) and that's why @Onna-lisa Kyom is correct that maybe they would sell it for less because it needs so much work.

A 1031 exchange would be used to sell an existing property you own and buy one (or more) replacement properties without paying the capital gains tax on your sale.  

People I've spoken to have suggested it sounds like a scam, because the company just wants my details, then apparently they are going to create a fake identity in my name, and put me in debt..

So you do need to be concerned that you can replace the debt in your 1031 with either outside cash or new debt.  

it sounds like you have put the horse before the cart and my question is why would you sign a contract on something if you cannot purchase it that doesn't make sense