I plan to go through proper due diligence to assure it provides great cash flow.

If you guys can bring your principle balance down to ~ $250-300k, you could refinance before you leave and bring your mortgage payments around or below $1800.

Most advice I have read is to start looking once you get past the 5-8 unit mark but honestly a proper sized umbrella policy will serve the same purpose.

The only benefit to a lease option, really, is that you can charge them rent plus additional for the principal balance, force them to pay the taxes, and take care of the property.

They sold me on the fact that they are a Military Family and I did not do my proper due diligence.

First thing you need to do is pay off your lowest balance credit card.

The biggest benefit I see for going with a conventional mortgage is the fact that in most cases the Mortgage Insurance drops off after paying down your mortgage balance to 80% of the home's original appraised value.

It took a ton of hardwork, consistent marketing, and daily chit chat with my emotions to keep my self balanced and not crazy.

Each state has different laws as to how to properly serve. 

If this is true and the county ( Jefferson, Alabama) did not properly record the vacant land parcel I am assuming the tax sale would be void.