@Hugh TrotmanYou might try this exercise - but I warn you, it's exhausting.Your goal is to be resourceful and stretch, not yourself, but your network.What can you get your network to do for you?

In your opinion, does that hinder the value of the property or does it enhance it?

But finding GOOD lease option buyers to assign to is a much more difficult task, because the reality is that 70% of people who call me on my ads are not a good fit, and likely wouldn't be able to actually exercise their "first right of purchase" on the home after I assign to them before the expiration date.

He keeps the signed deed in a vault in his office until the option is exercised, then he records it with the clerk.

At minimum the tenant needs to be instructed that they must exercise better hygiene, and I would put this in writing in case you have to sue in small claims for damages.

My husband and I are working towards financial freedom, and on a personal level I have really embraced minimalism (in terms of not buying 'stuff' and not spending money on experiences that don't enhance my life).  

On the flip side, if you need to exercise a lot of control over your investment to be comfortable (ie. be able to see the property regularly, choose tenants yourself etc) and you'd rather have control than free time, then more passive buy-and-hold options may not work for you.

Those funds can only accept rollovers from other qualified plans, or you can make cash contributions to them from earned income.Once you establish self-directed plan and acquire asset inside of it - you no longer need to worry about doing 1031 enhance inside of it.

Another question is just from personal experience from those who have bought tax deeds how often do the original owners exercise the right of redemption.

What should be the term for the lease so that it is not considered as a sale at the time of lease option agreement in case tenant wanted to exercise the option during the term?