Extensions to close are never guaranteed, but if there is no sale date and if there has not been any extensions granted before, there is a chance one can be granted with the bank.I'm not sure of the legalities of taking a security deposit in this situation as there is no lease.

Or... maybe you/family member would be willing to grant them a private loan (not a "hand-out") at a certain interest rate/percentage return to give them a start since traditional/hard money options seem to be unlikely at the moment.

Hey @James Grant!

If they grant you a 6 month loan with a balloon at the end, what happens if you haven't flipped the house in that time period?

Find one with lower monthly fees and be sure to ask what restrictions they have as this could affect the resale.Look into the home is possible grant program and other down payment assistance programs since you will be living in the unit.

I previously founded and ran a nonprofit (with grants and other people's money) and now I'm exploring my options for a future where I would like to build long term security for myself while also still helping other people.

In MA there are grants and 0% interest loans and 0% interest loans that get paid when you sell the house, so the State is trying to make it affordable for tenants to delead.

Granted, the evidence is merely anecdotal, but the vast majority of successful wholesalers report a similar situation to what you describe @David Darling 

ii.Judgment for Possession - UD-110 --> 3 copies (1 court, 1 defendant, 1 for you)          I.Need to file only ONE, which would cover ALL defendants PROVIDED Request to Enter Default was granted on each defendant.     

I decided to purchase my first investment the traditional way using a FHA loan the "creative" part (I think it's creative at least) comes from a program I found sponsored by the city of Jersey City providing me with 10% down payment up to 40k max with an additional 10k in closing cost assistance the only set back about this grant is that it has to be a primary residence and I have to keep the property for 10 yrs if I move or sell I have to pay back what I initially used of the grant.