Nobody here on BP in this discussion is attempting to meet appraisal guidelines, accounting measure and such.

But I don't think appreciation vs inflation is the correct measure.

So that is how I would measure whether it makes sense financially ... how does the lease option income compare to your financing costs and debt service.  

Okay the Thursday updateOne framer in to visit, due to time, he will be back next week to measure the followingMaster Bathroom width, length and Ceiling height where we would like the ceiling to go to (it currently terminates about 7 ft up. 

If the cash flow only properties are a short term stepping stone that's fine, but wealth is only measured in equity.

A real decision is measured by the fact that you've taken a new action.

Once the refinance is done with a 20% down payment and depending on current interest rates in five years, the cash flow should experience a measurable increase.I'm aware there's a risk of the DOS clause being called, the unknown factor that their mortgage payment might be higher than I've figured if they've done any refinancing since purchasing the property and that interest rates are at times volatile so in 5 years my cash flow may not increase at all.

The 2% rule is talked about often as a good measure however often super hard to find.  

Obviously both play a roe, but I have some money to invest and am having trouble getting started.I think it's more an issue of too much information and knowing what to look for and what the right measures of a quality investment property are.I'm in the Dallas / Fort Worth area.

I suggest goals to be numerical and measureable.