Me purchasing my 1st home w/ intentions of living in it then selling the home triggered my desire to start investing.

My timeline is still up in the air, but I'll be able to pull the trigger one day. 

For the duration of the lease-option the property stays in the sellers name, so it should not trigger a "due on sale" for the mortgage, until the option is exercised. 

It would most likely trigger the due on sale clause.A scenario that may work though is if the amount remaining on their mortgage is less than what you are willing to offer as a down payment or they were willing to pony up the difference.

EvolvedProperty is somewhat vague and doesn't automatically trigger thoughts of a home sale.

As you go down the scale of desirability, the price goes down, until you reach the small station, in a bad location, hard to get to, in a low income neighborhood, with environmental compliance issues.  

I Have read many books and taken a few courses with a local investor in my town and feel my next step is to pull the trigger and make a move. 

I'd recommend enforcing your lease agreement and if it did not allow pets, send notice of non-compliance in accordance with the rules in your jurisdiction and, if not cured, ask them to leave (including eviction filing).  

Pulling the trigger on that first deal can be difficult, but once it's done you'll be hungry for more.

Thanks to this wonderful community and all you wonderful people over the past few months my wife and I have gained the confidence to pull the trigger on this exciting adventure.