As far as lenders and agents, if the lender refers an agent to me do I have to use that agent or can I use a completely different agent then the one the lender tells me about?

@Scott Mac When you say sole proprietor are you referring to owning real estate in your name or as a single member LLC?

No one has more "skin in the game" than a PMC as they have to deal with the property every day until an owner sells or fires them.Also recommend finding your own Inspector and not one referred by an agent.

If it's a Mainstream bank like WF, BofA, Chase they'll likely be most worthwhile on a plain vanilla primary purchase, and provide a good frame of reference as you shop for mortgage options.

I invest here in Columbus, Ohio and I can help refer you the CORE 4 that you need: Agent, PM, Contractor, and Attorney.

This will allow you give a reference point on how much potential rent you can receive.

Even then most refuse and refer you to heir lawyers.

This LeasingToBuy course, as well as his seminars, are a complete ripoff and waste of time.....Lease options more than 180 days are also illegal in TX (AND OTHER STATES) as are the "sandwich contracts' that he repeatedly refers to. 

@Terra Padgett most "gurus" are referring to either:1) Class A properties & tenants - which perform very well2) Portfolios of at least 10, if not, 20+ properties.

Which is why I've always referred to qualified buyers, and the agent can insist on a documented relationship (as a lawyer, I'm big on documentation) after the potential buyer is qualified.