Alternatively, you can look into roles with the top commercial brokerages, I know the big ones have world class training programs that will greatly increase your real estate investing knowledge.

Research how brokerages function and what a sales person's role and financial responsibilities are. 

It's a worthwhile exercise to explore the different scenarios.

Here’s what you’ll get:+ insider’s view of everything:- what I look for when searching- how I found the properties- what it takes to seal & close the deal- numbers: all things $$$ related- plan: what’s my plan to do with them (with chances to practice/“role play” as if you’re the decision maker)- actual process of renovation: planning, construction cost, materials selection for flips, resources (contractors, subs, architects, supplier houses, etc...)- staging, marketing for sale- listing (diy or hire out, resources, etc...)- and everything else in between+ these are all free of course+ my promise that I won’t sell anything during the process :) so you’re perfectly safe with me!!!

Lease options aren't 'sold' through the leases, but when you or the TB actually exercises the option and purchases the property.You're on the right track. 

All that option agreement does for you is give you the right to buy the property down the road, when you exercise your option. 

Never a bad idea to define roles /responsibility but word of caution don't go overboard.

There are basicly 3 divisions, or roles to fill here.1 - Managing Partner2 - Cash Partner3 - Credit Partner...and the cash and credit partners can be combined to become the Finance Partner.How it gets divided depends on the type of deal it is...and negotiations.Typically, we will split it up this way:Manager = 40%Credit = 40%Cash = 20%...if there isn't a credit partner (all cash deal), that 40% is split 20/20 between the other two...with the understanding that if a credit partner is needed, that 20/20 is given back to the credit partner.

If not, outside of BiggerPockets, I would suggest that be the first place to start to surround yourself with like-minded individuals in the Real Estate business.Along with BP, DIG has definitely played a big role in my Real Estate investing career through networking and education. 1st meeting is free.

Have you considered paying cash if you have the means to and exercising the delayed financing exemption that fannie mae allows?