There may be SOME flexibility to allow for only a 12-month history depending on your specific scenario, but if you just graduated that is unlikely. 

I guess my concern is that I'd like to get them to sign something as quickly as possible, but I want to remain flexible enough to be able to get creative (offer to buy subject to, owner financed, cash, whatever). 

If you do not qualify for a conventional loan for whatever reason there may still be options such as a DSCR loan which is more flexible than a conventional loan. 

If you're willing to be flexible with them, you will have some rapport down the road.

For over four decades, my investing approach and criteria has been flexible - it has changed as economic and market conditions change - my criteria adjusts on geography - my investment criteria was not the same buying an SFR in Silicon Valley as it was in Charlottesville, VA.

I am currently selling my condo in Ybor - it closes this week and I am in a rental on treasure island month to month to allow flexibility.

I'd like to keep them, and won't increase rent for the renewal coming up soon this time (I increase the rent every renewal).I have a No-Pet policy when renting, but I decided to be flexible with them, and allow them their dog request (not a big one!).

I am wondering if there might be potential in smaller, more flexible office space, and I'd like to hear your thoughts.

There have been no police, municipal, legal nor maintenance complaints against tenant for tenant-responsible maintenance or behavior in the past 12 months.Documenting your pet policy now will allow you to flex like this and you can always change your pet policy in the future.Your rationale here, should you need to defend it, is your pet policy is flexible but protects new flooring (#1), requires a profitable since the pet is likely to do damage (#2, #3) and a tenant who is not a p.i.t.a. (#4); uh, I mean who honors the lease and is well behaved.

On the flip side, on a month-to-month lease, there is more flexibility for you and the tenant.