In her case, since she just came out of bankruptcy, she was unable to secure a loan modification...not sure if from the bankruptcy or because she'd already modified it once.

Even if you just spend a few extra months trying to secure financing, the interest could really be a bummer.  

Occupied- As a lender we like to see long term leases in place with a security deposit, first and last of course and length of leases.

If they can’t do that then amend to subtract losses from security deposit if that’s legal in your state.

I've had my current job for 2 1/2 yrs making 75K per year and have a clean background but before I had my current job I was unemployed for a while and ended up filing for bankruptcy causing my credit to take a huge nose dive (sub 500 range). my Question is: to avoid the credit requirement (I wouldn't be able to find a co-signer) would I be able to put an entire lease down as a security deposit and pay my rent as usual so long as my income qualified?

In fact, it is borderline right now based on estimates whether the cost of repairs and cleaning will exceed the security deposit. 

I'm in a good position for a coming recession, I have job security, savings waiting to use for my next REI purchase, and I'm in the middle of refinancing for a lower 30yr fixed on my duplex.

In Information Technology Security for 20 years (work form home) and my wife has been in Hotel management/hospitality for 20 years.

The secure role of the agent has nothing to do with the difficulty of getting done, and has everything to do with fear on the part of the lower end consumer, and the value of time on the higher end consumer.

All they want to know is if they will get their money back and that it is secure.