I was informed to simply stay away from national banks for a plethora of reasons. 

If it is not then simply inquire with your mortgage servicing company to see if they can email you a copy.  

Can't even find words to say how bad of an idea that is.........Also listing says it was a 4/1 but it is really a 2 with a hole in the floor to piss in.  

Most rehabbers would simply disappear, never to be heard from again.It would be extremely helpful to others if you shared how and why you though you'd make money on this property.

I simply pay interest only until the home is sold. 

Lease Options are much more restrictive now, and many will tell you to simply avoid them, going instead with a Right of First Refusal on the lease.The reality is that much of Dodd-Frank is still being interpreted.  

If the agent is simply worried about his/her commission, that's a easy fix buy signing a limited buyer's agreement.  

There are simply too many unknowns about the condition of the property and what it would cost to bring it up to market standards for me to do any better.  

Are you sure it isn't simply high prices/non-motivated sellers?

I understand clearly that I'm not the "pioneer" of this type of action, however, as someone who is simply wanting to attempt something that may work, that was true purpose for my post.