Looks like I may be doing a rescue... 
When are you going to make the transfer?
I ask this only because the owner, Bob, tells me that he
    thinks someone (you?) has already committed.
  The bad news, if that I try to keep it, I will lose
the wife. 
I'd say the commitment to your wife beats the one to Bob D.
I'd go in some moderate amount with you for a "VAX
    clubhouse" or more likely a large storeroom with power,
    if there are such things.
If the taker is in fact not you then...  problem solved!
John A.
this is all of course crazy