It was a vacant property that didn't have a lock box, he had to get the keys from another agent and I offered to pick up the keys at his office so he didn't have to run to the property and he told me it was against the rules.The backup agent on the other hand I don't think is excusable.

This leads many into trouble.My favorite part of my Real Estate career is when I do profit share deals.I do deals all over the country where I hold the investors hand thru the process of a deal.I have one in closing right now that took $55,000 and turned it into $102,000 in about 45 days.That is more than 53% in 45 days.

I have seen MANY "resident managers" that had a pretty free hand with supplies that "fixed" and painted neighbors homes/apartments for a little "extra" income.

I'm quite happy with a relatively simple life, and I can only thing of a handful of things I would increase my spending on if I were 'filthy rich' (Upgrading my computer more often is one, getting a second net connection in is another - hardly expensive stuff....)

I found that five of them had changed hands to other owners.

I believe that hands down it's RE.

You may be right, may be better to be entirely in private hands.

A good option would tie the sellers hands so they can sell it ONLY to you until the time the option expires.

Tell them the situation and make a proposal.The hand's on real life education would be worth more than you can imagine.

:D On the other hand, I have had good response just simply acting as a single investor who buys for my own account, not affiliated with anyone.