However, my atty advised against Vermont rent to own/lease option plans because in the event the deal goes awry, you have to foreclose... not evict the tenants in possession.

Things like theory, title, escrow, valuation, taxation, financing, possession, legal aspects, business models, leverage, etc.If you can learn these independently, more power to you.

Executory contracts include any transaction that defers some action by either party that pertains to ownership or possession of real property into the future.

There are a few other active members from Great Britain on BP, so someone should be able to field any England specific questions.Two other reasons I encourage education at this point are:1) Wholesaling - to do it property - requires a level of knowledge about real estate and markets that someone new to the industry simple does not possess.  

That's 3.5x the amount to potentially find out the same thing which I'm not even sure if the bank will let you make any changes to the property while it's in their possession.

What you need to do:Create a contract for your agent to represent you and agree on the commission that you willing to pay.Have contract offers and deposit ready for your agentBe available to preview properties and to negotiate with the sellersTreat your agent well, give him cash for gas, buy lunch, stay in touch with the agent on a daily basis offer bonusesLater, if you work well with the agent, offer an equity positionTo be open to learning and using creative financing terms and clausesAware of how to establish seller financingKnowledge of Hybrid offers, delayed settlements, study periods and possession clausesI believe it is important to work with an agent who has your interest before his or a seller.A good buyer's agent can be a tremendous assets to an investor, a good agent can make you many thousands of dollars in cash flow and equity.Most agents are not trained to represent buyers, they realize that commissions come from sellers that have their property listed.

The idea of a lease/option is you can simply evict the tenant and take possession of the house. 

So a contract that I sign today might say that I will take possession and begin making payments on August 1st, while the purchase will be completed on or before July 31st 2020.Another way to do it is to buy subject to the financing.

I don't ask for the money until I have the deal and usually don't take possession until day of closing. 

I have never given possession of a property prior to lease signing.