As an alternative you could look for a walk-out, lock-off basement and add a small kitchen/kitchenette down there to have your own space away from your housemates.

This can happen due to moisture damage or improper installation techniques such as using too much adhesive or not allowing ample time for drying before walking on them.

As another contributor posted, we treat all tenants the same including providing a walk-through/showing of the property pre-rental.  

as an example, lets say a lender gave you an 80% loan to buy the land PLUS 100% of the cost to build the property on it in the form of draws... theoretically you'd be walking away with MORE than 100% financing. its just done in a round about way, and you would still need to bring in some "skin" as @Brandon Croucier mentioned. 

Money talks...BS walks. 

This was a perfect set up as it had a walk out basement/separate unit with 2 beds/1 bath and a kitchenette.

Did you have an agent or someone else do a walk-through for you?  

If the broker doesn't know then you walk in and ask the manager...You would be surprised once you start getting people to talk.

You want to lead with you being a new local investor who walked by the house and saw it was in disrepair and thought you could be of help sending updates on the property.

The house closes when there's a walk thru and its confirmed that you're OUT!