That's true of any profession though.What I have found though, is there are enough good ones...let me rephrase that, there are enough great ones, for me to agree 100% with what @Rod Desinordjust said above.The key is to understand that every agent isn't "investor friendly" simply because the have a license.  

Third, I would let the guy know that stealing utilities is a crime (everywhere I know of in the US) and any further attempt at doing so you will simply contact the utility company, who can get a citation or arrest issued to the guy. 

I contacted the bank again, this time in an attempt to replace the insurance policy at a minimum or to assume the loan in a best case scenario.They responded by sending a letter addressed to the original borrower stating that they may accelerate the loan unless the property changes title back to the original borrowers, they refinance, or a qualified person assumes the loan.

I've done a lot of listening about it on the sidelines and finally decided to make an attempt based on conversations with other investors.

FWIW, the proper place to have attempted xfer of maintenance is in the option contract not the lease, but don't recommend it.Good you didn't mention rent credits.  

Is this simply the last "counter offer" from the bank, during a previous negotiation? 

This is simply due to overall population growth.Sources:http://www.calculatedriskblog.com/2015/10/lehner-is-2015-peak-renter.htmlhttp://oregoneconomicanalysis.com/2015/10/12/2015peakrenter/Thanks for your insights!

Simply put, do we qualify?  

And people keep moving here to fill the jobs and there are simply not enough single family homes to meet the demand.

Would any experienced investors have any ideas on how I could attempt to purchase this home using alternate means?