For instance buy 3 SFR, each around $100k with 50% down on each. 

For instance, the vast majority of my purchases are HUD homes where it is difficult and in many cases not possible to turn them on. in cases where you cannot turn in utilities, one can still get a visual inspect the foundation, roof, electrical to ascertain the age of the breaker box and type of wiring as well as due a pressure test on the plumbing.

It's often deceptive, just like so many magazine models.

Include a clause that if they are interested in purchasing at the end of three months, then you will give them 30 days to present an offer before marketing the property to any other buyer.I agree with Nathan, a lease option in this instance gives you no benefit and all the benefit to the buyer as they can walk after 3 years and also they capture the appreciation (if any).

@Stacey H.These instances are why a renter should have renters insurance.

.: This is one of those instances where it pays to be clear in your communication.

For instance, I have a spot that had a very weird floorplan when I first bought it (which drove buyers away), but I could see that with some relatively minor work, the floorplan could easily be changed to be much more appealing, and much more functional...the property was turned from a 2 br 1 ba into a 3 br 3 ba, which transformed it from a cashflow negative property to a significant cashflower.With prices so high and deals so hard to find, value add strategies are often the way to go!

You don't want to rent to them just because they are black, for instance). 

In many instances mezzanine financing may not be needed. https://www.crowdstreet.com/re... 

@Matthew Crivelli In this instance, I'm looking at the Alaska market, specifically the Kenai peninsula.