But, we do not plan on staying in our current house forever so that doesn't seem like too much weight should be put into that.

And I definitely want to stay on budget. 

Our agent was familiar with the inspector who did the seller provided inspection and was comfortable that he was competent.

I guess I am seeking help on how to get these investors moving forward and feeling comfortable and confident in the decision to purchase homes over here in the states.

They stay in it a year while fixing it up, etc and then use the rental income to qualify for the next home with at least 5% down.

Maybe you could offer larger earnest money and if you are comfortable do your inspection when viewing the property so you could waive inspection. 

Those are people who plan to stay and make your house their home. 

Stay in school, and get a finance degree with a focus on real estate, or go to trade school and become an electrician/plumber/HVAC.Can you be successful without it? 

If you can not stay out of bad debt it is unlikely you have what it take to be a successful investor.  

But you're running a much higher risk than you should have that he will find some way to turn his terror at the proposition of being homeless after so many years of housing security to something he's more comfortable dealing with, resentment.