This has been been the most thorough and thought induced response thus far. 

It a tort called "Fraud in the Inducement".That means that the wholesaler used deceit or trickery to induce the other party to sign a contract.  

However, while we were cleaning up, we treasure hunted out at least $3000 stuff, including $300 cash on the floor, several un-opened Amazon boxes, new-in-box computer/gaming items, hair tool ($300), YouTuber's gadgets, new with tag heated jacket ($220), an unassembled exercise bench ($500 at least), so many new or near new stuff that you can sell.

BUT RARELY do they want to learn this... when rates got to 15 to 18% in the carter years.. to keep deals working I had to give my commission to the sellers and take back notes from them so they got some cash to induce them to sell .. and the sellers paid me monthly  Usually half of the payment No interest until paid..

Option fee gets applied to the option amount when they exercise the option.

Many options can be exercised to achieve your goals. 

If I do not exercise the option to buy the property after 5 years the landlord will keep the option fee and all rent that has been paid.

You exercise your rights as a junior lienholder to pay off the senior.

The exercise of tracking it regularly helps to keep it top of mind and it also allows me to see how my plans are working compared to my goals and if I need to make adjustments (I agree with @Chris Clothier that you've got a keep a long-term perspective because real estate investing, like life in general, is a marathon not a sprint).Great question, Allan!

Yes you should easily shed a good portion of it but to shed all of it will be a lot harder and needs diet and exercise (not just one)This is evident also by the latest treasury bond sales - other countries are slowing down buying our debt which means rates (especially mortgage rates (will stay higher longer).