People's situations change.

Common real estate statistics like median home price, Average Days on Market, annual change in home value, # sales, # listings, etc.Which statistics can provide clues to how much inventory of distressed (off-market) deals there will be? 

Also the taxes as that can change.

You can also just wait for the seller to evict before you get it into contract, but you might lose the contract by then (the seller can change their mind by then, for example).Regarding notice of entry to show the property, that MUST be signed and posted by the CURRENT OWNER. 

Thank you Brandon and Josh for changing my life!!!

I have considered investing in two such properties at the same time; one to occupy with a smaller deposit but a lower interest rate, and a second with a higher deposit and higher rate.We are still a few months aways from buying so open to changing strategy entirely and happy to hear all thoughts and ideas.

If it's not a competitive market, check out recent sales, and see if there is a big discount for cash buyers, if it's significant, that'd make me  change my plan.     

I'm ready to begin investing again, but I know things have changed quite a bit since 4 years ago.

Highly unlikely you will be able to change your personality.

Could he buy and somehow refinance back with a name of title change??