Hardly scientific, but based on my sample survey of 1, I think you have increased your odds of success in HMC by 200% with your partner by your side.  

Hoping to find a few more people and set up a date.

My own home is about a mile away in a neighbourhood that dates from the 1940s and 1950s, with tons of modern renos, expansions and infills.

Do I just write it in on the leasee line next to the first tenant with a date and initial from everyone?

The other way to check is to check out the Alabama county court records and dig through the paperwork (if you live around there obviously)Deed Assigned at Foreclosure to: After the expiration of three years from the date of the sale of any real estate for taxes, the judge of probate then in office must execute and deliver to the purchaser ... a deed to each lot or parcel of real estate sold to the purchaser and remaining unredeemed ... and such deed shall convey to and vest in the grantee all the right, title, interest and estate of the person whose duty it was to pay the taxes on such real estate and the lien and claim of the state and county thereto, but it shall not convey the right, title or interest of any reversioner or remainderman therein.

I found wording in the contract that may allow me to walk away from the deal while keeping my 25k earnest money, but my attorney isn’t confident.The inspection contingency states the “purchaser may inspect OR secure an inspection report of the property 5 days from the seller acceptance date”.

I agree that "dollars" are only part of the Seller's need, but, as a LICENSED Realtor, if the answer to that question is NO, then you'd better be prepared to explain how selling to you by an agreed date justifies the NAMED number of dollars they'd be agreeing to never receive, because of selling to you directly.That is, if you're serious about being ethical.

It's just prior to the 1976 magic date (July ?).  

They wanted a later closing date, but when it came down to it, they wanted the house more :)They are prepared (and legally obligated) to pay both rent and their mortgage for April.  

(I get to take my wife out for a late Valentine's date.)