.- I like that u did that for ur 7 yr plan, I personally wud focus more on the REI side of things as I wud the savings so that u get in the game more and learn more, this is part of my plan of action, then by 7 yrs u wud have more REI instead of saving ur money that isn't giving u much ROI.- Also break down ur plan for the first year on what u are going to take action on to progress in ur education by learning on the job so to speak so that u can build momentum on ur overall plan.

My insurance deductible is $2,500 and i've tried lowering it but you know insurance companies: 1) you can't lower it for at least 3 yrs after filing a claim 2) you can't lower it if you are about to file a claim.  

You are just governed by conscience being a good guy and the option contract in my view.Given market conditions and they've been in the property for a few yrs probably.

In reading up getting ready for a required rental inspection on our latest, the local rule for bedroom is minimum 75 sq ft for each person over 12 yrs of age, 50 sq ft for each person under 12 that will occupy the same room, must have separate entrance (cannot have situation where you walk through another occupied room), doesn't say anything about closets in that section, but all must have window (actually states sq ft of natural light requirement, which most basements will not meet).  

My gut feeling is that the nail down hardwood may be cheaper over, say, 20 yrs...

Generally speaking, (these numbers are just for example) you could offer to lease the property with an option to purchase in 5 yrs. 

I'm still what I would consider a small time investor(less than 4 yrs exp, 3 SFH and carrying 2 notes).

I just went to a Sat training by a local old timer, 30 yrs buying, fixing now mainly wholesales.  

It is an excellent neighborhood, where a 2/1 1000 sq ft cottage sells for almost $300k, but the houses are approx 100 yrs old.  

We sold our home 2 yrs ago and bought house for daughters to live in in Mesa Arizona for a future investment before we knew he was sick.