We are happier putting our money in places where the locals don't feel they somehow get a say in the disposition of our property rights. 

Given market and financial conditions, risk analysis and aversion is or should be a significant factor in landing on the “Goldilocks” Project.Projects that can be phased in their disposition (sell or venture at permit stage (paper lots), or as finished lots, or as homes for sale or as a phased Build To Rent Community are examples of Project Planning that includes these risk mitigation options.

Your lawyer/review may differ of course:  554.604 Security deposit, disposition; bond.Sec. 4

Send the owners a letter a couple times a year stating that you are interested in making an offer on their property and asking if they are open to discussing their future disposition goals for the property.  

We put it back together with zoned HVAC, new systems and a modern kitchen.If done again, the acquisition must be very low, plans for the contractors' bids to grow, room in the budget for cost over-runs and a disposition price that includes a profit.

So needless to say, I am eager to jump in with both feet and start putting myself out there in the twin cities.In five years I would like to have transitioned from employee to business owner, my goal is to have hired people to manage my marketing, acquisition, disposition, etc.

Does this make them harder to disposition/sell down the road if I can’t acquire those last 3-4?

Since your not returning any money send them an email with the disposition. 

I’d also include disposition of the security deposit too.

I plan to do a Facebook ad for my potential rent-to-own tenant buyers since that's my main disposition strategy for all my acquired properties.