Brandon is the type of investor I'd bet actually has that type of capital to make good on the 5 offers, if that happened.

@Bryan WilsonYour best bet is to network in your local REI, and find someone who's willing to invest their time in you. 

I'm betting that you can meet any sensible financial independence goal with considerably less hassle, less risk, and far fewer units, especially if they are higher quality units.

Note that Warren Buffett just won his $1m 10 year bet that low cost index funds kick the snot out of managed hedge funds, so don't assume that higher fees = more micromanagement of your money = higher ROI.

Since I'm betting that interest rates and rental rates will rise long term, purchasing a home can be a excellent return on your money even ignoring appreciation, which is likely in the long term in CA.  

That is a larger immediate benefit versus merely delaying my gain.

My bet would be to just fix 'em up and sell then through an RMLO... if your state allows that.

I bet this was just a mistake on the sellers end, contact your lawyer and take the necessary steps to get your money back.

I bet @Steve Babiak is right, maybe this person just had  a longer live in time frame.

Could I really expect to receive higher rents by doing this versus renting to a single family?