Per the link, the definition is: “[o]ne who follows another in ownership or control of property.”

Contact , zoning as far as vehicles , animal control , the health dept .  

In exchange for this permission, the Tenant agrees as follows:1.To keep no more than 1 domestic dog(s) as described below.2.To pay additional rent in the amount of $ 0 per month; or3.To deposit with the Landlord a "Non-refundable Pet Deposit" in the amount of $ 250 which shall be held as security for the faithful performance of this pet Agreement and shall be used upon the termination or expiration of this Agreement for the purposes of cleaning the Premises.4.To keep the pet from causing any annoyance or discomfort to others and to immediately remedy any complaints concerning the pet.5.To keep the pet from damaging any property belonging to the Landlord or others.6.To immediately pay for any injury, damage, loss, or expense caused by the pet (In this regard, it is expressly understood that at no time shall the Tenant apply any part of the Pet Deposit towards such amounts due, but rather, the Tenant shall make restitution immediately and separately from the Pet Deposit.7.To keep the pet under control at all times.8.To keep the pet restrained, but not tethered, when it is outside of the Premises.9.Not to leave the pet unattended for any unreasonable periods.10.To hold the Landlord harmless from all liability arising from the Tenant's ownership or keeping of the pet, including but not limited to any liability resulting from the Landlord turning said pet over to local pet policing authorities should the pet be found unsupervised.11.To dispose of the pet's droppings properly and quickly.Also, to coordinate the cleanup of the pet’s droppings with the weekly lawn maintenance.12.To insure that the pet will wear the appropriate Local Animal License, a valid Rabies Tag and tag bearing the owners name and phone number.All licenses and tags must be kept current.13.Tenant agrees to control flea infestation and will exterminate if necessary, and upon demand, in any and all areas affected with full cost to be paid by tenant. 14.Tenant agrees that Landlord will not be responsible for the injury, harm, or death of the animal, and agrees to hold Landlord harmless for any damages suffered as a result of any harm caused on the animal or by the animal upon another person, guest or employee.

It allows you to have total control over investment choices and gives you the ability to invest in something that you understand and have more control over (real estate, trust deeds, tax liens, private lending, private businesses, etc).

As I said, I am considering putting money into many different things and I feel it maybe time to consider venturing away from Real Estate in SoCal - for awhile, and consider other opportunities, both near and far.What did your friend end up concluding?

Hell Denise, and thank you for extending your professional wisdom in my new found venture.

Remember you don't have to own a property to control it.

Thanks again Nicholas and good luck in your ventures, and thanks to all on this thread for the responses.

Here are some of the key stats:Purchase Price: $2.8MUnits: 100Unit Mix:50 3bed/2bath's @ $580/month50 2bed/2's @ $425/monthFinancing Approach:80% Bank20% 10% down payment10% seller financing @5% with a 5 year balloonConservative Annual Financials Financials:-15% vacancy-Rent potential: $618,000-Property Taxes: $30,000-Insurance: $21,000-Maintenance / Repairs: $60,000-Water / Utilities: $68,000-Advertising: $4,500-Property Management: $52,530 (management fee and employee salaries)-Garbage and Recycling: $15,000-Landscaping / Pest Control: $18,000-Security: $5,000In summary:-$525,300 gross income-$273,030 total expenses-$177,396 (5%) annual mortgageoFirst 5 years: Seller financing repayment on 10% of purchase price @ 5% interest rateOpportunities:-Sub metered, but water is covered by current owner (~$55k)-Increase rent on 2/2's to $485We would love to hear your thoughts on the good, the bad, and the things we haven't considered or simply answer any questions that you have.

@Kristoffer TierYou never acquire by lease option, you can control property tho.Sandwich lease options, you can sub lease and sub option, but you better have reserves and pay that seller on time, even if your subtenant does not pay you.