I've found this website to be helpful defining the assumptions of acquiring a new property.

What is much more interesting is the notional real estate value (say for example, per appraisals), gross rents, fixed costs plus variable cost assumptions.

Maybe she just made assumptions?

@Amanda ArredondoLoan assumptions are not very prevalent right now because interest rates are low and borrowing money is cheap.

Is that a good assumption?

It was difficult to understand fully your question, so i made some assumptions. 

I was under the assumption that I could do this, but wanted to make sure that being on the property did not cross the boundary of "using" the asset.

At least contact code enforcement or look it up in the Internet before making assumptions.

., your assumption is correct that you can increase rents and can get more cash flow.

If an agreement is not clear, or might be construed as financing, then the assumption will be that the option is financing without specific language addressing the intent of the contract.Seems the opinion is that a homeowner not in the business provides seller financing to facilitate the sale without a business motive, they are simply selling to anyone who is willing to purchase.