My question is: would you simy place the money in a regular savings account ( i have Goldman Sachs bank that pays 2.25 yearly interest) or use another investment vehicle to park and grow the money as we save (index funds... etc)?

We have 4 individual rental properties, and one vehicle.

as your vehicle to get you to your ideal Life as opposed to something else. 

You said want income but not doing a BRRR strategy, what is it that you don't like about the BRRR strategy and what would be a better income vehicle for you? 

If you want to BRRR cost to rehab, a more precise ARV, and your ability to qualify for  new loan and LTV needed become your homework. 

@Cameron Riley A) Yes, we are simply renting, that's precisely what a "Lease to Own" program is.

I understand the process...thinking of getting into it as another "vehicle" for investing.  

Hopefully a lender chimes in to give you precise examples but there are many options.

To register your car in MA you  pay registration  $60,   half a day of work to get it done and on top of that a yearly vehicle tax NJ doesn't have.

I understand every county is different when it comes to this, at the moment, google doesnt have a precise answer.