Creative things sellers can do sell their house-Seller contributions-seller funded permanent buy down-seller funded temporary buydown-owner financing-contract for deed-seller second-lease option and lease purchase-wraparound and assumable mortgageTwo: creative things buyers can do to purchase a home-gift funding-selling and refinancing existing assets-nonoccupant co-borrowers-using a 401(k)-temporary IRA transfer-pledged asset mortgage-equity transfer and bridge loan-employer assisted mortgageThree: creative things lenders can do to finance a transaction:-lender funded buydown-Fannie Mae's my community mortgage-running scenarios with automated underwriting systems-adjusting amortization period to lower payment-adjusting interest rates to cover closing costs-state, province, and local grant or bond programs-mortgage credit certificate-private lendingAll the three players above, the seller, buyer, and lender, can bring creative solutions to the table to get a house sold." end quoteMost brokers don't know these either, or know them and don't inform - teach their agents.This is through my direct experience.

This will make the appraiser’s work more manageable to get done and will ensure that nothing is missed in the appraisal. 

Whenever you are buying a property out of state you should do a few things to ensure it's as smooth as possible.Don't buy in the roughest neighborhood in the urban core.

Overall, it sounds like you're in a good position, but ensure your education and knowledge base is up to speed, or partner with somebody who has a lot of experience. 

What are some clauses I could put in the lease to ensure I can sue the owners directly for non-payment of rent rather than the business?

I will make sure to do my numbers to ensure cash flow.

If all my people and resources are in one place, I don't need to track time across properties, I don't need detailed tracking to ensure the repair costs are allocated to the correct property, and I don't need all the other complexities of managing a multi-location portfolio.  

With that said, it is important to be fair and transparent throughout all strategies to ensure tenant satisfaction and loyalty.

Write down specific goals you hope to achieve and ensure both  of you are on the same page, reading the same books, evaluating the numbers.

Seems redundant, but it ensures you will have an active permit during the buy process.