A local real estate company is renting it now and will sign a  2 to 3 year lease when (or if) I buy the house.

Set up a notary signing.

The rental amount is determined by either a signed lease, or rental value as determined by an appraiser.

Drive around the area and look for "for rent" signs.

Is there a way we could co-sign on a mortgage, or simply have the title to the home in his name and I transfer a potential down payment directly to him?

Owner needs 17k to stop foreclosure / ARV 120k / min 50k rehab / owner will sign lease for 2 years  $1100 per month.Can this be presented to a money lender?

If the deposit had not been paid and accepted, and the paperwork had not been 100% completed and signed, I don't see how this was improper.

Please note I get this in central Illinois and may be different where u are but being extremely selective has worked well for me so far. 

I have placed 6 renters since May and all took 3-4 weeks from the time I advertised to the day they signed a lease.

You can view a few photos here.It is located near 88th and Wadsworth in the Kings Mill neighborhood2 story/ 5 Bedroom/ 3 BathMaster suite "loft" 500 square feetmain floor/ 900basement/ 900some good things:Roof is five years oldnew windows on the top floornew water heaterno signs of foundation settling home is overall maintained and well kept "just very dated"The expensive things:paint trim outside of houseHVAC is working  but is super oldNeeds painting throughout, with a room or two of wallpaper removalneeds wood floors installed on main levelcarpet in upstairs and basementnew appliances/fixtures/countertops in kitchencomplete remodel all 3 bathrooms entire basement is wood paneling drop ceilings in basement "possible other option?"