How would I compete against a motel with tub/shower, color tv and telephones? 

If you can stay patient, save up, be conservative, and hang on, you'll get way ahead.I have spent the last 2 months lurking, reading every book I can get my hands on, watching YT and learning to separate the gurus from the ones who actually know what they're doing and have their viewers' best interest in mind.

I am not an attorney and don't play one on TV and don't rely on what I say.Ok, so after re-reading your post, here's a little more to the point.*  In my experience, a typical lease option is done by negotiating a CURRENT purchase price with the seller, based on today's value (not to be confused with AT today's value).

And the TV has him freaking out, if he sells now he will need to bring $25k to the table "what do i do James?!" 

When visiting my mom the TV is on full volume in order for her to hear it.

Oh wait...they literally made a reality TV show on this exact topic and a LOT goes wrong. :)All of my STR guest messaging is automated. 

Like tv ads, it could still work with a huge budget and limited expectations.

Just internet mind you, not TV.

I haven't owned a TV for over 30 years.

According to the old movies on TV the gangsters ride around for a while and pick a random place before they dump bodies.