Better returns over time if you theoretically held the rental until it was paid off?  

Again, I have not held an investment property or a note, but a single property seems to pose less risk than a single note if both are acquired for the same value.

I have held a handful of rentals for several years, and as I have begun to formulate a plan to build my investing company, I know that the ability to capitalize on every opportunity is crucial.

For example some custodians will have tiered pricing based on account value and how many assets are held under custody.

Today there were 2 ladies I met all the way from DC who encouraged me!

Additionally you can use options which aren't leveraged per se, but can work that way if used properly. 2)  The fact that you say your "interest in liquidity is dismissed" makes me really want to encourage you to do some more research on investing in general whether that be RE, traditional investments, precious metals, etc.

When you look at creative financing in this light, you go beyond types of lenders, seller financing or cash purchases, the use of other assets.As mentioned, you do need to recognize seller's motivations, understand personal finance well enough that you can make informed suggestions.You can utilize just about any other asset, that has a determinable value, value must be found and agreed to in order to use it.I've used stocks, bonds, other real estate equities, personal property like boats, vehicles even an airplane have been used, accounts receivables, existing leases or new leases can be pledged or cashed in, annuities, judgments, inventory and a & of sales have been used in some of my deals.Anything of value, held now or to be received in the future, that is marketable can be a source for leveraging a transaction. 

However, if the property is being held by a Corp you will need licensed pros for the HVAC/Plumbing and electric. 

You would lucky to get 1% on a investment property, unless you purchased the house off market from a highly motivated seller at a huge discount.In past I held a townhome for 5 years, the cash flow was negligible but not negative - was just paying enough for PITI but I cashed in the appreciation last year.

Long story short, they bought it in month 13 of my ownership, and you know the deal with that as far as capital gains go.How there work in terms of structure (I will not use specific $$ that I had in mine, but will use fictitious $$ here just for this example):Purchase Price of $200,000Monthly Rent $2,000Security Deposit $4,000Purchase Option $5,000 non refundable deposit (they would have this applied to the PP if they exercised their option) Or they would turn over to the seller if they do not (This is the cost the buyer pays the seller to NOT ALLOW ANY OTHER PERSON OTHER THAN THEM TO PURCHASE FOR THAT PERIOD)Another form of Purchase Option deposit is by increasing the monthly rent by $XX to be held by seller and turned over if option not exercised or applied if exercised.