When doing a lease option we always use two separate and distinct contracts:  a lease agreement and an option to purchase agreement. 

(D) A person, partnership, association, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, or corporation licensed in a jurisdiction where there is no legal distinction between a real estate broker license and a real estate salesperson license must meet the requirements of division (A) of this section before engaging in any activity described in this section that requires a real estate broker license in this state.

They have also made a great distinction between property held for productive use vs property held primarily for personal use (like 2nd homes and vacation homes). 

It would be nice to have a home that's distinctly different from my NYC apartment (mountain as opposed to town) and it also seems there might be more profit to be made on a ski/mountain rental.

Is the distinction you're making actually between AC and MC cable?

Whereas if it were the scent of tobacco smoking that will remain for some time. 

The scent of your house can make a big difference on the perception of a buyer.

VenturaW-2 Employee - Employer provides you tools and you are normally doing the work under the guidance of the employer.Independent contractor - Employer does not provide you tools and you are paid to perform a task that may not be under the guidance of the employer.There is other distinctions between the two but those are the big ones.With that said - if you have the option of choosing - I would choose independent contractor if you are going to be working from home and you can have the employer provide you additional compensation since you will have to pay self-employment taxes.

VenturaW-2 Employee - Employer provides you tools and you are normally doing the work under the guidance of the employer.Independent contractor - Employer does not provide you tools and you are paid to perform a task that may not be under the guidance of the employer.There is other distinctions between the two but those are the big ones.With that said - if you have the option of choosing - I would choose independent contractor if you are going to be working from home and you can have the employer provide you additional compensation since you will have to pay self-employment taxes.

The difference is in the distinction - is $20,000 the entrance or the exit?