I would suggest that you consult an attorney to properly define roles of each partner in your deal.

Please define 'brrr' for me. 

@Benjamin ForestThe only definitive answer and brightline test came via Notice 2019-07.250 hours or more of "rental services" (as defined in Notice 2019-07) to meet safe harbor 'trade or business' treatment for your rentals. 

Your lease will define your options regarding breaking the lease.

The lease may not say anything about tenants paying for locks but......their should be some type of language within the lease that may define that action as breaking the lease; such as "destroying the property."

@Monique Pope Based on your thread comments, it appears that there are two separate agreements to consider:The option to purchase agreement you signed originally, andThe CRPA to be executed when the option is exercised.Here are a couple of things to consider bringing up when you head into court (BTW, I am not an attorney and I know nothing about California statutes regarding real estate purchase option agreements).In general, for an option agreement to be valid it should have:A specified period of time that the agreement is in force (which yours appears to have), including the conditions under which the time period may be extended,A fixed selling price for the property while the option agreement is in force,A clearly defined method for exercising the real estate option, andValuable consideration paid to you in return for being obligated to sell the property during the time the option is in force.Regarding point #3, execution of the CRPA could be part of the "clearly defined method" for exercising the option agreement. 

First how do you define "Best"; price, speed accuracy, % successful searches?

Going through the levels of agent is definitely very hard but if you at min. were able to choose the right agent that represented your side and able to convey your message in a meaningful way I think that could be the defining element here.

Also, it is too easy for a realtor to set up your perimeters of 100-150K SFH  within the boundary that you define, and dial you in with automated MLS updates. 

My recommendation to you would be to sit down with your wife and clearly define your current 6 and 12 month real estate investing goals.