If you want to talk more details feel free to message me and I'll be glad to help.

This clause is talked about a lot, probably too much, and it basically states that the bank MAY call the note due if you switch title.  

If you want to be more pro-active - drive your vehicle to that vacancy -Talk to as many neighbors as you can - let them know that you are interested in that property (or others that they may be able to refer you to) some neighbors won't cooperate with you since they may think you are a bill collector.Get the tax ID of the ownershipGo to white pages - search for the ownersPut a notice on the door for the owner to call youCheck to see if it has housing code violationsLiens - see if you can buy the lien and foreclose (or take an option to buy the lien - forecloses on your option)Check to see if it is in Tax Sale - contract the tax sale purchaser to see if you can take assignment of their positionCheck to see if it is in foreclosureMake sure you look at the back of the houses - talk to the neighbor at the rear of the housesFind out if it has been listed - by whom and for how long - call the real estate agent (they are the ones who know how to contract the owner) ask the agent "are you still accepting offers on that property?"

But for specific advice, mail or talk to the owner and simply tell them you'd like to buy.  

If the home is worth much more than what you are getting for it, then you can talk to your mortgage lender and see if they can use some equity in the home as your "down payment".

Considering I want to close no earlier than October 1st, how soon should I start talking to the hard money lender?

Generally speaking, people are really open and willing to talk about it.  

It could be the person most nervous to talk.

If you ever look back in that market, send me a message, would enjoy talking more.

Learn, read, talk to others, research.