Owner contract terms - right to assign?

[Jonathan Blum]

Hey all-

I'm working on my second owner contract deal for a fourplex (first one was for a sixplex last year).  The seller is suggesting a 30 year amortization with 20 year payoff with significant prepayment penalty for payoff before 20 years.  There is something about being bound for 20 years with no good escape plan that makes me leery.  Unlike a conventional mortgage, I can't just go an unload this property if I decide to move, change careers, change strategies, or just want my money out of the deal to do something else.

What is the best way to write an "out" into the contract?  Do I write in a clause to sell the contract or assign it?  Do I ask the seller for different terms?  Any other creative solutions?

Thanks so much in advance for any advice on the matter.

Jonathan