This way they get a glimpse into how the person treats the residence. 

Fortunately, it's a co-op so maintenance is handled by the resident custodian and the management company.

I have already been told by my lender that I would be allowed to rent it out since it will have been one year of residing here and I am leaving the area. 

A hard money lender will not lend for a primary residence.3.

There are two ways to do it.If you are looking to buy as a primary residence, you base the value on the comps with any adjustments for condition and amenities.If you are buying to flip, you use the flip formula: ARV - profit margin - rehab costs - closing costs - finance carrying costs = maximum possible offer.If a seller is holding out for price, a low offer without contingencies doesn't mean very much to them.

Your LTV is ~60%, but more importantly, it is your primary residence.

Feels like there's a soft agreement between this couple and the owner.I spoke with all other tenants privately and they seem to be very happy with the current non-property-manager.I like the idea of resident lawn care, but am concerned about legality of a resident property manager (I'm new to this and not ready for employees on a small triplex).

@Michael NievesThere are rules about occupancy when you use a VA loan.Intermittent occupancy due to work is okay as long as you can show that you have a pattern of continuous residency in that community...

The second application came from another very nice couple who are in the U.S. as legal residents from Europe (they have Visas until 2020).

So I have stuck to that principle and it has worked for me even in my next home (personal residence in CA).The obvious choice (Call it CHOICE #1) would be to look in the same Chandler area and see if there are any deals there.