If you really wanted to you could probably glue the tile right to the plywood or existing counter and it would probably last a while.

That is why we have committed to donating 1% of our revenue to community development and social causes we feel support this mission we have. 

Are there, perhaps, better located new or existing subdivisions that would be able to offer nearby parks, shopping, restaurants, access to a lake, etc.?

See this thread, https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/588/topics/528983-northern-virginia-nova-mfr-non-existant, for some folks discussing the same issue. 

Great idea- I don’t even know that a state specific forum existed.

. :-) However, if you were to consider CD's as MMA's with commitment then Google search shows a few paying north of 3%.

Step 2: at the next meeting, introduce yourself to one person (could be the person sitting next to you)From there, commit to speaking to one new person each time.  

Situation:The owner has 11 units and has already committed to sell me 3 of them this year.

However, this person would likely want the existing equity and/or monthly cash flow out of the situation - leaving you in a worse equity position, and possibly with a higher cost of living monthly to stay in this home. 

For example, let's assume that the 'wholesaler' promised the elderly folks in your example that they could close in two weeks all-cash, and that this 'wholesaler' does not actually have the cash or anyone that's committed to buying 123 Main St at the time the promise was made.