They post an ad and when you respond they say that they (or their spouse) is in another country, so please send the deposit to him and they will send you the keys...or some other strange arrangement.

Investors that do hundreds or thousands of lowball offers should expect to have a different arrangement than people who buy 95% of the properties they make offers on. 

Sometimes the best way is to arrange regular times to do showings like 1-3pm on Saturdays so the seller can be available to let you and your prospective assigns in.Otherwise as stated, take pictures, and preferably a walk through video too.

I wonder if I can make some type of arrangement and wrap the two properties together to which we both come out as winners.  

I don’t mind this arrangement because it’s a triplex and has three hot water tanks and three furnaces also the sump pump and the electric panels .

I would guess over 90% of regular renters don't know about or fight for a rent to own arrangement in the beginning.

If the title fee estimates get a little crazy, maybe you have a close friend that is a title agent or attorney that you can work into the deal in exchange for them arranging settlement.Just spit balling.

I've been trying to find a good buy in Fountain Square since February, but the one's I like are all overpriced, or are snapped up more quickly than I can arrange financing.I'm also interested in Irvington, Emerson Heights, Little Flower (thanks to the 10th Street redevelopment org), and parts of Crown Hill.  

I know owners have been sued before over these types of arrangements.

With the right seller and some good negotiating, you can arrange for seller financing.