My EMD would be refundable in the contract, but we would need to establish escrow and the Seller would need to open a Title Insurance policy right off the bat, even if I elected to assign the contract.

How do we establish clear title?

There is a chance that Edmonds have actually established a legal interest or can at least sully the waters. 

We work with a large network of investors across North America, and connect these investors to our teams we have established in the US.

That’s a difficult one for sure, and not much to work off because “it looked like” the wall was leaning in.Worthwhile to establish a baseline for now to monitor going forward.  

You're asking for advice which may not apply because you would need to prove you have a squatter who moved in to the unit and has not yet established tenancy. 

The Property Code presumes that 7 days is a reasonable period of time for the Landlord to repair a condition unless there are circumstances which establish that a different period of time is appropriate (such as the severity and nature of the condition and the availability of materials, labor, and utilities.)

Our first steps (Assuming we have teams already established) is to review the subject property with our property management company.

OWNERSHIP seller finance tools are:Subject to - getting the deed and leaving existing finance in play - you own it 'subject to' the existing financingWrap - getting the deed by establishing a new note and deed of trust from Seller to new buyer/investor, and leaving existing loan(existing note and deed of trust) in play , but by Wrapping it with a new note and deed of trust.Straight Seller Carry - getting the deed by establishing a new note and deed of trust from seller to new buyer/investor, and it's exactly like WRAP, except seller is free and clear.   

As others will tell you, it all starts with establishing your end goals then finding a way to get there.