I'm almost positive I could get him to shop a loan for me, then go out and find some online lender for 0.25% less...and then deal with them for 4-6 months back and forth asking for the same document 15 times, having it expire and provide it again, lose my rate lock and getting a different rate etc.

I have my suspicions that it may have been a mild hoarding case (seller had stated mental health for selling, was unoccupied for 18 months although there were Ramen noodles and some other items that had expired years ago in the cabinets.) 

He said they did, a rental that they planned on selling once the Lease expired.

Just received a disapproval from the mortgage lender stating that due to the condition of the property they are not going to finance me. The last day for me to get financing was on the ninth. I received the disapprova...

i always give them at least a 45 day written notice by mail and email prior to the expiration of their lease agreement.

If you are stuck with the former owners lease, I would tell him that I'd permit payment by the terms of his old lease until it expires but then I will non-renew him for being uncooperative or he can get with my program. 

Write a lease, when it expires adjust the rent if you need to. 

The two times I did it I required $10k plus double usual rent that doubles again after the expiration of the agreed upon term.

If the 60 days expires the fee you paid is gone.I still say apply elsewhere as backup EVEN if you pay another $2000 in appraisals it will save you money and stress.

The CDC moratorium can be gotten around by evicting for reasons other than nonpayment of rent (eg lease has expired).