As for contractors, it would be ideal to physically see previous completed work and current projects.

You have to go to the court online docket and physically type in their names to check for records.

In this instance, just go address it And in the future, don't let this happen.For your vacation rentals, make sure there's a system in place where when any service is done there's photo proof, a timestamp, property manager digitally acknowledges, and a physical receipt there.

I see 7-10 houses in 9-10 years but can you weather the storm of a physical asset management? 

Once you have this team in place, you should have the foundation to invest in any market confidently while not being there physically.

Just know that buyers rarely exercise that option. 

Another good exercise might be to look at rentals NOT FOR SALE that you like and estimate what kind deals they are.

Do you hold physical RE? 

Something that has been helpful to some of my clients has been to do a visioning exercise.

You can add language that says, you cannot exercise your Option for the 1st (fill in a timeline) years.