After you have it tied up in contract with an inspection contingency so it's yours if you want it and you can back out if you don't, you can ask for the following as part of your due diligence inspections...Estoppel cert.Schedule E of sellers tax returns for two years, with information not directly pertinent to the property blacked out.Leases. 

And a would be plaintiff certainly will not find an attorney to sue you on a contingency basis, thereby eliminating most frivolous lawsuits.

Your Realtor can suggest contingency dates that are realistic for your local market and protect your interests while at the same time drafting an offer that will be attractive to the seller.

Lots of great connections all over but we also have a very strong and active contingent here in MA on here so make sure to find them (Set up some keyword alerts to find out about local topics) and get connected.Besides doing that on here make sure to get out to some of the many local investor events we have.

Can I be submitting offers on deals w/out my financing perfectly known, and then use the contingency period to lock down funds?

Lots of great connections all over but we also have a very strong and active contingent here in MA on here so make sure to find them (Set up some keyword alerts to find out about local topics) and get connected.Besides doing that on here make sure to get out to some of the many local investor events we have.  

Is there any reason I can't:Sell the property to another real estate investorUse the money for things like property taxes on my exempt residence, income taxes, student loans, whateverPurchase the property back on land contractThe only real sticking point I can see is that the value I 'sold' the property for would probably be below market value (to protect the buyer) and the sale would need to be contingent on me being able to buy it back (to protect myself).

Then your biggest hurdle is the 2nd means of eggress.Make your offer contingent upon getting the third unit approved

I know it is highly unlikely, but what contingencies should I include in case both are accepted?  

Joe Villeneuve so you make your offer contingent on a satisfactory inspection?