They are at least: why would a contractor be willing to tie his money to a sale if a house that may or may not happen?

Unfortunately, it ties up the property with no certainty of sale.  

So, options do not tie up a property as they preach.Why not put it under contract for the time required subject to inspections and financing?

At this point, you wouldn't have much money tied up and you could probably pay off both properties in two more years. 

That's still pretty good though, as you end-up with a property that has positive cash flow and no money tied up in it.  

If you will potentially move back after a year or so, the case for keeping the property is a lot stronger. 

Because the house needs some updating, we are getting it for less than what comps are in the area.What worried us initially is the 20-year Solar City lease, with 2.9% annual payment increase escalatory, tied to the property.

I only have 11 left and frankly I am not a great landlord I am too busy with my other money making endouvers  IE building new homes developing subdivisions doing JV's with fix and flippers that the though of tying up 50k in debt or equity to make 200 a month has ZERO appeal to me personally... so that's kind of the two sides of the coin. 

If it went any higher the argument for renting would become even stronger.The opportunity cost of tying up all that cash, time & energy is almost never worth it.One of the only times it makes since to finance your primary residence is when you know you are buying a property substantially under market, and reselling it.

@William Deltoro  now your talking  find your money partner first then go shopping... makes you  a much stronger candidate to get the deal...