With current market conditions and overall extreme competitiveness, this a matter of time is of the essence.

As far as condition of the home I also think it makes total sense to negotiate down based on what the expected repairs might be.

Given current market conditions and shifting regulations and court decisions you may be better off month to month VS term lease. 

Locking purchase contracts with assignment clauses and then publicly marketing to others expecting a fee for brining buyer and seller together is brokering without a license and in many states, punishable by fines and even jail in some cases.Working in your own backyard where you know the market and know the conditions will give you an edge.

I'm going to digital entry (four students, they lose keys a LOT) and smart home features (like turning off the HVAC when doors and windows are open because students are apparently idiots and do, in fact, air condition the whole darn neighborhood), plus a few exterior cameras. 

My goal is to test this out under a sublet condition rather than to buy a property and attempt something like this without having gone through the trenches so to speak.

Explain what it takes to get their offers won in these market conditions and then see if you’re on the same page. 

This is because you don't really own the property, you just have a contract to own it once certain conditions are met. 

Being first is not always a good thing when it comes to those guys...Lots to think about for sure... however with a well thought out plan and some very favorable conditions on the purchase, you could make something work if you don't overpay for the dirt.

If it’s too much to tackle alone or if you don’t believe it’s right to take on all of those hassles without some conditions, then I’d walk away.