They are substantially changing other terms in the lease by asking for an additional option to renew, asking us to refund the security deposit, asking us to allow assignment without our consent, and insisting on us paying a commission amounting to almost $10K for the privilege of giving up all that.I just wanted a sanity check that this should not be all that difficult or onerous on us!

Unfortunately one of the issues was a major issue like fixing the kitchen hardwood floor which will take substantial time and money.

You're not sharing thew whole story, and it only your side of the story, so it's difficult to give advice.Time is money, and no one wants to work for free, so the PMC probably feels that they want something for all their time invested in taking pics, writing an ad, publishing and taking all the phone calls and handling showings. 

I would not do a lease option as a buyer as others mention, but also if this is written the way you wrote it where its interest only payments and you have $1M debt - it does not matter what its called the courts will look at this in the same instance as a mortgage because of the substantial down payment and their is debt.

The industry might be heading towards some substantial shifts, but it's also filled with opportunities for growth and innovation.

It's also substantially higher risk

I don't personally have any insight on this asset class, but you have to be able to answer the questions I presented with favorable substantiated support.

Here are a few points to the comments you made:- no rent control, rent prices have jumped drastically year over year- no squatters, Gov Desantis just signed an anti squatter law (House Bill 621)- high US interest rates, cash buyers have substantial leverage in negotiation as interest rates have kept domestic buyers at bay- no signs of slowing down, everywhere you look you will see world-class developments in the works let me know if you'd like to discuss further

Or even substantially different. 

In my personal opinion, it depends on whether or not you plan to refinance and if the rehab you do will substantially increase the value.