If this wasn't something they were willing to strike I'd be looking elsewhere. 

Do your research, find comparable services in your area, and walk into the room prepared to strike a deal favorable to both of you.

I understand your eagerness to learn, practice, and put together deals, but it's important to strike a balance and take things step by step.Learning and building relationships are critical parts of the real estate journey.

I searched and couldn't find anything on them here, which strikes me as odd if they are who they say they are, handling billions in real estate assets.

You can maybe negotiate a very fair strike price right now in exchange for the option fee. 

I’m still getting my feet wet here, but it strikes me as a good was to ensure that my property remains in good shape during the duration of the tenants lease.

Consumer purpose ... this one has gotten a lot of private lenders in trouble.Again, chances are non of these bad things will happen, but it's out there.Disclosure: I'm not an attorney therefore don't know what I'm talking about.Instead of striking fear into the heart of OP how about trying to help him structure this properly?

Once you move away from that market and outside the city core, I would use $300 - $350/rm ($900 - $1400 per unit) in my anaylsis and then try to better that on the ground.The purchase price (on a per unit basis) also strikes me as high as an investment (... as a mortgage helper, it may be palpable).  

As Warren Buffett said, it takes discipline to only swing at balls in your strike zone when people are yelling "swing, ya bum!". 

I admit it bizarre but if it strikes a cord with anyone give me a shout!