He stopped because too many lawsuits by disgruntled renters who couldn’t get their finances together to exercise the purchase option, and/or people who agreed to prices in the beginning that didn’t match market values later, and sued despite the fact they signed a contract that specifically stated market values could change etc. 

You can always shop for rates after you ratify the contract but give that loan officer a chance to match.  

She broke her lease and she ran the oil completely dry (I have a matching policy in my lease), I did collect a $700 security deposit.

I filed with the county to have the tax basis match the acquisition price and it was approved recently, saving me roughly $5,000 in this year tax bill.

You could also do an month to month lease just in case the person isn't a good match.

If your companies have some kind of matching dollars that is a home run everyone should take advantage of.However outside of retirement accounts I think real estate is the best way to build wealth.

I invest in both my TSP as well as in real estate, though I no longer contribute the maximum, but merely 5% so I can get the full match.

Honestly when I bought my property I was expecting zero appreciation except maybe matching inflation.

I told her flat out more or less that she needs to match my schedule and show me houses when I'm available.

------I recently injured my ankle, really bad, playing soccer .. don’t hate, it is in my blood even though I grew up as a baseball player.