Also Kansas City depending on which part would be a good option.

Their rates might be slightly higher than others but it was worth it considering I did not have another option.  

So there are many options other than just naming 3 and purchasing one. 

I've had similar experiences with insurance companies inspecting my rental properties after purchase and making specific demands like repairs or adjusting deductibles based on their findings.

I work with a lot of investors in NC as I was based in Charlotte for a while.

Any thoughts on what the ideal way to structure the lease option is since my breakeven is quite far above market?

Merchants Bank MN See Pavel UshakovPenFed - max 3 other properties, 89% LTV Regions- yes HELOC but no LOC SCCU Florida 70% LTV, 6.25% interest only, not LLC Signature Federal Credit Union 75% LTVSound CU "non-owner occupied HELOC, capped at $150K and interest rates are prime + 2%, 3% or 4%, based on credit, not to exceed 70% ltv.”S&TTCF BankTD Bank TIAA Direct was EverBank Tower FCU, all states except TX, max 45 DTI, green card ok.

@Steven Westlake looking at all our options at the moment , in process of getting a heloc to start either SFH or Brrrr..

Having a hot tub itself is what I would be looking for, even in luxury rentals I've booked for myself in the past :) My $0.02 is to opt for the larger, more cost-effective, option - which may not be the wood heated one. 

Only NC and Texas have due diligence money/option money.