I'm one of the most visible people on the site, so many of the messages come from me.The forms you were offered are a package that we have created with the help of state-specific attorneys so that newer landlords who do need them can have a good set of documents rather than the "free" forms available online that do little to nothing to protect their interests.

Once you've got some experience and a team in place ready to handle whatever rehab nightmare you might encounter then you can consider the risk and reward of buying an auction property sight unseen.  

I'm wondering if I should start with a 3 month lease so I don't encounter an off-season market every time the lease renews - or 15 month? 

In my experience most packages are not great.

Everyone's going to offer a little different financing packages. 

I also fully understand that your broker and their ops manager do not see any problem with refi of a property where a purchase option is in place - and this may proceed without an issue, of which I certainly hope that it works out for you.Just be aware, I've encountered this exact situation where everyone said it was fine and even the underwriter expressed no concern when asked about it in advance - but just prior to closing it suddenly became an issue when they pulled title and saw the cloud.

I know when I did some B of A refi's in MS  they send a mobile notary the packages were HUGE took at least 2 hours to go through them all. 

So I have a property in contract and let me tell you,,,,,, this has been the most stressful thing I have ever encountered in my life !!!!!!!!

The price point was considerably better in terms of packages and I liked the format.

I recently encountered someone willing to pay a year's rent upfront.