but the exit was the lease option.. 

Best option: don't invest in areas with high crime.Security cameras, motion-detecting lights, and plenty of signs that it's protected by a security system.

Highlight how owner financing is a great retirement option, then ask him how much he would want per month. 

So I am looking to see if anyone has ideas about what options I should consider to gain more experience in real estate investing as I get my finances up to make my first purchase.  

Check passive loss rulesTrack carryforwardsMost small landlords will simply:Take the simplified $5/sq ft deductionClaim it if they have net rental incomeSkip it if they're already showing lossesPro Tips: 💪Use the simplified method - it's $1,500 max (300 sq ft × $5)If you're showing profits, take itIf you're showing losses, don't botherKeep basic photos/documentation of your spaceThe Bottom Line: 💰If you're making money on your rentals and genuinely use a home office, this is a nice extra deduction.

Options:1.

They had lots of options to reduce cost, they came in at $8k less than the first place, and I could knock even more off of it if I trench the new lines myself (the trenching and excavation prices were pretty brutal, I could hire it out for a fraction of the price). 

My current options: rent out the current 4 bed 2 bath house that I own and live in so I could move into the 300k house and remodel while I live in it.

That will start to tell you if rentals are a feasible option for you.

If borrowing against stocks is an option, do they have to be stocks held within the US and/or do Canadian stock investments count as well?