If they are able to reduce costs because they have the ability to execute in a shorter time period, that is a win for you and them. 

Although technically possible, it is my understanding that the practice is frowned upon. 

Irene, I have only a 10-day window in which I will be in town and have the ability to see and put offers in on a house, that will be mid-october.

If you believe the matter might be covered by your title insurance, submit a claim to the insurer and allow them time to make a coverage decision and take actions before entering into any agreements that might affect the insurer's ability to defend your title. 

Recently closed on a property in Michigan with the seller maintaining the ability to occupy the house after closing.   

We know it could unlock our ability to buy a lot more properties, a lot sooner, and with greater ease, because we could completely avoid the limitations and lending criteria of banks.But we also tend to believe that Seller Financing is rare and hard to find (especially in a competitive Seller’s market), or that it’s difficult to negotiate even if you can find it.That may just be a limiting belief, however.

I am very confident in my ability to have a new qualified tenant for 12/1.

It speaks to their qualifications and can affect their ability to represent you in an audit:https://www.irs.gov/tax-profes...

Buy a house someone else would want to buy ( think long term resell ability). 

You’ll actually run into this fairly often so best practice is always for you or your agent to verify with the building inspector prior to writing offer.