To me, this is an acceptable risk given the current cashflow from the property and the likely changes to interest rates over the intervening years. 

It is typical to get financing AFTER an offer has been accepted.

Either I take it on or the lender does.In short term deals I've performed with an AUD lender, I accepted the risk of currency fluctuation and it was written into the lending contract that they were to receive their base AUD amount plus interest as agreed, regardless of any currency fluctuation.  

A few suggestions:To avoid being accused of discrimination of one kind or another, you might want to give an application and a list of your acceptance criteria to each adult who sees the place.

I stood my ground (because now I thought to myself that may be too little and an insult,by their reaction) I said yes, $17,500 no contingencies all cash.They said they will see what they will say.15 minutes later, I received a text.They accepted your offer of $17,500....Such a great feeling!

In 1998 I did a deal that played out like so:1- I had my agent find me a property in a so-so neighborhood for 32K.2- I offered 18K with $50 down; It was accepted.3- I asked the seller for the zoning certification and proof of title (I knew that my end buyer would request the same from me).4- My contract with the original seller stated that I would pay the balance in 30 days.5- I found a cash buyer in 12 days. 

I figure if he really wants to get rid of the property then there is a possibility he may accept the offer.

If some off the wall company gives a POF, the local folks may not accept it, they want known depositories or securities brokerage firms they recognize, not Tree Top Finance.

Seller, if I find that this property doesn't meet my investment requirements, I work with other investors, do you care who buys it if we reach an acceptable price?

Sometimes a lender will accept that.You could put as a condition in the contract that seller is to pay for a phase one report on behalf of the borrower and the borrower gets to choose the engineering firm to complete the report.Have you checked the EPA site to see if this is known to be close to a contaminated area already??