Focus on buying properties in good locations that will attract high value tenants.

then collect rent from him, which he doesn't have to agree to and even if he does he may not always pay on time, if his 8.75% interest rate is any indication of his credit score, which it is.I have another alternative. 

Investing in real estate through a Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) has limitations, but compelling benefits still attract investors.

I'm looking for alternatives, I liked LandlordStudio actually but I hate the name, seems so impersonal to the tenants and not in their favor.  

or alternative lenders?

Numbers don't lie and in todays world I don't know any investor given the choice who would want there money tied up in a mortgage with this  as a viable alternative to have liquid damn cash.

A skilled property manager understands tenant segments and their behaviors, which helps attract reliable renters.

I looked at local companies, and while many locals have great boots on the ground, they lack the economies of scale and systems like what Avantstay uses to attract, vet, monitor, and enforce. 

One big one is that scaling the lease option sale to a homeowner will attract both public regulatory scrutiny and private litigation, perhaps class action, once it reaches a certain threshold.  

Pros - attractive to some renters.