For posterity:A local attorney (who is also a CPA and focuses on RE/Estates) did inform me that it would absolutely be possible and binding to create a lease option that would then just transfer to beneficiaries upon passing of the owner.

Locking up properties that will be hard to sell are a punch in the gut for the sellers so you have to step back and think, are these worth locking up or would the seller be best served listing with a local agent and getting out, without you in the middle.It sounds like these are ancillary to your territory and usual buy box and that usually means you don't need them.

Sometimes I'm off my numbers but generally speaking you'll get better as you go so consider this a cost of learning the business.If you want to find someone "reasonable" I'd go to local meet-ups and ask around for contractor recommendations.

Go to BUILD YOUR TEAM at the top of your screen, and you can search for other MEMBERS or LOCAL MEETUPS.

For the most accurate and detailed information, it's recommended to refer to local real estate listings and market reports or consult with real estate professionals who are active in these areas. 

From what I see it's not stellar in terms of population or job growth, but does look like it saw big price increases lately, I assume it's mainly population from Charlotte moving out to get more bang for their buck.If you're an investor with properties there I'd love to hear your thoughts on the market in general, how you see its potentail, the population I can expect as tenants, and things to pay attention to.

We sold 2 in gulf shores because they got hit back to back years by hurricanes (sometimes wish we kept them) and the other because it was our lone property in that market and was not doing as well as locaL properties.Note if I was in the s&p500 at GR (which I was), it lost 48% between aug 2008 and mar 2009.  

Are you interested in Short term rentals, multi family, fix and flips or do the numbers get you going like tax deeds, buying notes.I'm in Orlando and would be happy to have a call sometime and invite you to CFRI (Central Florida Realty Investors), the local chapter of the national REIA.

Perhaps joining your local REIA would be a good place to start with less risk.

I would find a local Attorney that you like and set up an account with them.