@Tony Gunter have you made any progress on getting mobile homes? 

I got a quote with the following coverages:Dwelling: $15,00Personal Property: $2,000Loss of Use: $1,200Liability Limits: $100,000Medical Payments: $2,000Personal Property Replacement Cost; YesLost Assessment: $2,000Condo Special Dwelling Coverage: YesHurricane Deductible: $500Estimated premium: $490Any thoughts/recommendations on this?

So today we are writing an offer on a rambling old farm house (4 miles from us) with >4.7 acres, 2 barns for 1/3 of the cost of a new build & a much lower tax assessment.

These are just some things you could consider as you progress through your decision making.

Another thing - @Benjamin Ellis mentioned checking out the assessment. 

We have since connected, Jay explained what they are doing behind the scenes to me over the phone, just as described above, he has offered to give me weekly progress updates via text, and I'm optimistic that this will get sorted out soon. 

Days passed with no response so I asked about the progress and they told me they never received the signed documents.

If you have a self-directed IRA you could speak to someone about utilizing that for your progression of your goal. 

Don't over complicate.Take purchase price, say $150,000$1,000 Down payment$9,000 Purchase Money Note (secured by Trust Deed or Mortgage) payable X for Y years$140,000 - Subject to existing 1st mortgage (approx balance, terms per lender's Note)You could offer another few lines concerning progressive release of funds on certain events like possession, etc.Also, you could offset seller's/attorney's concern about your payment of sub-2 loan by you giving performance trust deed that you will pay 1st or AITD Wrap of 1st and purchase money note to given them more control.

Do you want a condition assessment on MEP?