Find, buy as residence and live in, fix, then after a year rent out... that's acceptable for government money.

Why would they accept that?

I have had my first offer accepted and now needing to send the contract.

I they would accept $1 a year until it is paid off I might actually pay DOUBLE what they were asking. 

It's a long shot depending upon factors that include the owner's fiancial profile, but a bank may want to do a SS vs foreclosure.If the bank will accept a SS have him list it with an agent and make an offer.  

WHY are you getting pulls on credit without an accepted property under contract??

Once they have formally accepted your bid, they will be quick to contact you.

Why do sellers accept all cash buyers even at lower offers? 

Or should we accept the offer if we get to an agreeable price?

If we accept a tenant who is greater risk, we will require an additional security deposit, which we explain up front in our rental criteria.Some jurisdictions restrict the amount and manner in which you can obtain a security deposit or other deposits, and under which circumstances the landlord can retain some or all of the deposit after the tenant vacates the unit.