I think we all have a tendency to forget the human element when looking at deals.

Similarly, colleagues, friends, and the media have a tendency to characterize 'retirement' investing.

I have a tendency to do that with things I find silly. 

But I will ask her to keep her eyes and ears open to see if someone would do that.On the other hand, here's something that I came up with while talking to her:We purchased the house for: $410,000Lease Option to Purchase - 5 Yr Lease - To be Sold @ $325,000 in 2013.Monthly Lease: $2850Credit toward Purchase price: $1050Actual Rent: $1800 (no rent increase for 5 years is a deal I am planning to strike here)Option Fee: $5000Price at end of Lease: $262,000Savings we need at end of lease: $150,000Owner gets a good down payment and financing.

They have a tendency to sweat .

That would have a tendency to drive someone to find a deal that woud benefit you and the dealfinder.

It is currently occupied but tenant will be out at end of month.  

For comparison, that $20,000 could be matched to be $40,000 and invested in the stock market.Stock market index fund, $20K invest plus $20K match ($40K total) at 6% annual return:Total stock market at the end of 20 years is $121,024Rental property $100K, $20K down payment, 20 year loan at 4.5%:Property value at 3% annual appreciation, paid off at end of 20 years is $175,350Rent collected at $1000 per month, 3% annual increase, after 50% expenses and mortgage payment of $500 over 20 years is $64,022Total rental property at the end of 20 years, net rents plus property value is $239,372The results are very interesting.

Markets have a tendency to surprise us and do what people least expect.   

I do not understand why there is a tendency to exclude a small capital investor or single investment into a world that has no complexity.