I feel like so many people are just stratified on either end of full on leverage or pay all for cash, and I wonder if this is an alternative people should consider?  

Though, if you have issues with them regarding taking care of their yards (porches included) and the homes not being kept in good condition you may want to look at alternative options as others have mentioned here. 

Hoping that this is a viable alternative strategy. 

Look at the alternatives available to you and pick the best of those that you see.

Heck, what's the alternative?

The "holding" concept is new to me, I like it as an alternative to signing a lease, especially if they seem wishy-washy.

I had read numerous books, read many forums and articles online, and watched countless videos.

Vinyl plank is a great alternative as well.

Should I just automatically write these off or is there some alternate way I don't know about to find out what the insides of these homes look like?

Or, alternatively, if you have any other proven methods of purchasing properties that need just enough work the bank will not lend on them but not so much work that the price works for hard money, let a guy know, because that is the pickle I continue to find myself in.