He will be shortly leaving a high pay stable job (military pilot) for a low paying (40k/yr) job and it looks like this transition might be preventing him from qualifying for a cash out refi.

we buy listed non financeable properties all the time.. so does networth or what ever other big wholesale RE brokerage in your area they are right off of MLS.. whats the difference of you bringing a wholesale buyer through the house as opposed to a retail one off of MLS.. answer NO difference.. my thought Is sellers in these instances think they are saving commission but the sales price is lowered to reflect it and many times wholesalers just rip the pants off of sellers leaving them with 10s of thousands less than they could have gotten with a property open to the market not just a wholesaler who has his own best interest at heart not the sellers. 

Meaning you'll probably leave ~$8k in the deal, which is fine.

Some wholesalers will help guide you as well, but you have to be careful because they are trying to sell their deals and will shine the light to make them look as good as possible.

This will leave you additional funds for your rehab.Feel free to reach out with any questions.Regards,Eric

No answer, disconnected, was able to leave a single voicemail.Anything else I can do short of door knocking his address 1000 miles away?

Honestly, I'm kind of angsty about it all, because I really don't WANT to leave the area since I've lived here most of my life...

I think purchasing a primary conservatively with a lower down payment (to leave enough for the required larger down payment on an investment) would be my suggestion, if you purchase your primary home first. 

There must be a reason he's leaving $70k on the table.

This preserves the relationship you have and leaves little room for misunderstanding.Congrats on the deal!