The option period is for you to negotiate items that are safety issues.

If you have time, Huntsville might be worth to explore as well. 

For this reason, I highly recommend the 2 BR option over the 1 BR.  

I know this is most individuals’ issue and understand that there are other creative financing options, but I find myself stuck in an infinite loop of needing funds to invest so that I can raise more funds to invest.

Looking for a bit of insight as to my options on financing. 

@Francis Faucher most of our Canadian clients set up an LLC, which I beleive offers better tax options than a C-Corp.

Are there no other options?

Go explore, make lots of offers and don't expect the deal of the century to fall into your lap.

If the rent is deposited into your account then you have accepted payment.I use apartments.com and zillow to handle payments - they allow you to block payments.This won't help you this time but in the future your lease should specify how they are allowed to pay rent, specify payment options that give you control over the payment.

I think refinancing would be a better option.