The thing I don’t get is that I am supposed to be taking a 90 hour course but nowhere am I seeing anything (videos or audio) that clocks out at 90 hours, it’s just an online curriculum, some practice tests, and the physical book.

You can hire a couple day laborers and save yourself the physical damage (body and lungs).

Hey RE Experts, what do you suggest if the goal is to achieve a good steady income (and minimal involvement physically) from rental properties :Buying multiple SFR / 2-3-4 plexes and keep adding more slowly in Bay area California. 

The local co-listing brokerage can help out with anything physical (lockboxes, scheduling, local expertise -- e.g. make sure you get your Sewer Lateral Cert done here in Arcata) and you can handle all seller comms + offer reviews.Happy to chat further if I can help!

If so, you could always give them an option to buy which they can exercise when you find a replacement rental. 

Physical damage was negligible, but smoke damage was throughout and electric/gas were shut off because wires were burned.

If you're interested in buying one I recommend going to the physical location to make sure the property is still standing.

I don't think that's "economic vacancy" I think it's actual physical vacancy.

In both cases the lease is the same, but the option gives the tenant the "option" to buy...they are not obligated to, but you are obligated to sell if they execute their option.Things to remember:1 - The option and the lease are two separate contracts, and should not be connected to eachother verbally or physically.2 - Do NOT give credits towards the purchase from either the rent or the option consideration (see #1)3 - The Option Consideration is NOT a down payment. 

Those are two things that are impossible without someone physically there.