Hey @J Scott hope all is well, I just came by this thread and just bought your book on amazon and saw that bigger pockets actually offers estimation templates, sample contractor agreements and 8 other documents..

In order to become ready for your first property, keep learning, assemble a group of real estate experts, investigate possible properties in-depth, start small, and exercise patience and discipline.Good luck!

If your yard is mud you may be able to send a soil sample for testing, probably several points around the yard, and they will tell you do you need to add sand, or loam, or manure, or ground up sea shells, et cetera to your dirt to make it Drain better.

It's not an earth shattering idea, but it increases your income and protects you from yourself (wanting to scale too quickly, making compromises, and introduces extra risk).I'd suggest taking a breath and getting a sample size of more than 1 month of bookings before buying the next one, but I get it. 

What is their reputation and samples?

So unless the city came, took samples, sent it to a lab and returned with the lab report this story is total BS.

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.

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.