You do seem kind and generous, giving back $ to the tenants in form of monetary gifts.But wouldnt lottery tickets likely offend persons of an anti-gambling faith?

That being said, waiting on appreciation is typically a gamble unless you know your market well.

The reason we chose those particular houses over others we had checked out was the LANDLORD was a nice and genuine authentic friendly warm person who I felt I wanted to do business with.

To twist Will Rodgers advice on buying stocks, “Don't gamble; take all your savings and buy some good real estate and hold it till it goes up, then sell it.

Upside down lease options are always a gamble, and you are the one gambling.

I'd rather gamble with no history than take sketchy history.

@David Beard talking with US Bank now...Here is what TD laid out for me as closing costs and a few prepaids:General Fees:TD Origination Fee 843.15Appraisal Fee 525Credit Report 8.37Customer Authentication Report .85 (cents)Flood Determination 5Tax Related Service Fee 58Title Services and lender's title insurance 1470Owner's Title Insurance 650Government Recording Fees 715Transfer Tax 600Items Paid in Advance:Initial Escrow Deposit 239.18Daily Interest 89.38Homeowner's Insurance 75 (Hazard Insurance)Total $5222.68

So kind of confused on if I am holding my criteria very high OR some folks just like to gamble their money into these investments. 

@Angel Gutierrez that reports cites an increase of money spent on gambling as a contributor to defaults on mortgages.

If they want to redeem, it has to happen within those 120 days.During that time is a gamble for the investors who own them.