The cash flow improves quickly, but the cash flow is so negative on retail purchases that it will take years to reach cash neutral.  

Quote from @JD Martin: I can't speak to rates - I think eventually they come down out of sheer necessity - but as far as the economy we must be living in an insulated bubble up here in Northeast Tennessee; no one has bothered telling us the economy is bad.

I was looking in Columbus OH but the market is so saturated and it's been difficult for me to find cash-flowing deals there.

In a nutshell, this is why lease option is so terrible.

I like Clayton Morris, too, and got as far as talking to Larry.  

Im more a hands on learning definitely and as far as living in a unit i couldn't yet because its out of the kids school district  plus the limited space. but thats the goal, to buy a small air or inn to manage and run for work while still renting in our district and then looking to buy since we're renters again!

As far as your bridge loan goes, most lenders don't love being in second position. 

There is so much that can be talked about on that spoke, but that is for a different time.

Also, unlicensed doesn't mean illegal as far as citizenship.

If I could attach it here, I would but I will DM you the file so you can take a look.As far as an agent, if you would like assistance while you're here, feel free to reach out.