Prices going up due to a further expansion of credit (unsustainable) I don't like, prices going up because of real wage growth (sustainable) I do like...I don't think anyone would argue prices are/have gone up due to the later.  

The option fee will be non-refundable in the event of default or choice not to purchase, but should it be applied toward the purchase price typically or is it just money collected for the option to purchase a property in that manner?

He/She may not feel comfortable with the price/location/or time of year and will want to make sure they can get it rented out in a proper manner for you.

The agent you work with might not be experienced to advise you in this manner, unfortunately. 

Maybe try to avoid introducing yourself in this manner: "Don't understand 72/84 and don't think after 18yrs I want/need to."

Ultimatley, in theory a one-stop shop should offer you the most comprehensive sustainable results, you want the boutique Turnkey provider in your case.

Yesterday I received an email on one of our deals that is threatened not to close because the title company didn't record the original purchase in a timely manner.  

I am just one person, but I know that if individual investors took the initiative of rehabbing just one or two properties in this manner per year, they will steadily drive demand for more profitable investments over time. 

Instead of your personal credit, the property sustains itself (using the DSCR number to qualify for the loan). 

What some of the data is saying is that because Houston is so diversified now from learning their lesson from the last oil bust that even though the jobs are not as high paying is not imploding the city as it did last time which is more of a sustainable business model.