We are landlocked and surrounded by three private universities and an Air Force base, which makes us a unique market.  

The difficulty here is that your bank transactions are relatively unique -- at least on the income side.

John has a more unique, short term approach down in Texas, they have some unique laws concerning installment contracts, but he has a good concept!

He told investors that he had significant past real estate experience, including a purported history of successfully buying and selling numerous bank foreclosed properties, and an MBA degree from NYU in real estate finance.He claimed that he had long standing relationships with banks that provided him with unique access to purchase foreclosed properties below market prices and, in fact, already had negotiated with the banks to purchase certain properties at agreed-upon prices that would guarantee an easy resale and profit for investors."

With that mentality to solve their problem unique situations can be crafted to make money and all parties be happy. 

You have to understand that this is a very subjective area and each taxpayer's situation is unique. 

After going through the forums, I have what i think is a relatively unique problem and I'm seeking out others who may have experience (and resolved) the same.My wife and I live apart, due to work.We both really like where she lives and works, but there's nothing there for my profession so I work away and I also make the vast majority of the money.Up pops a property in her town, we both really like it and both price and location are fantastic...BUT it's a Homepath property and I'm not sure about how the owner occupied certification is going to work out with my wife living there and me being away for the majority of the year with work.I have no issues receiving mail, homesteading, updating my license etc, but has anyone been in a similar situation and can maybe enlighten me on just what the Homepath definition of primary residence is?

you can but it is a very unique way.

You better have one unique marketing piece or a seriously niche list. 700 absentee owners are probably not going to work out very well for you.

As both a landlord AND a military member I understand the unique challenges as well as the Soldier Sailor Act.