We can pay the contract early and get access to title earlier if we want- Property is in a very desirable area of town and I'm not worried about it getting rented. - My wife and I have very good jobs and I have no doubt we will always pay our dues to the seller, even if the property doesn't rent for 3 years- The seller (an LLC) has done multiple Contract for Deeds and has their process down.

I define ready by having ability to lose 100% of the investment you are making and still be able to pay your bills 

Pay all cash?

They were notorious for not paying. 

One of them which has been there for 10 years is saying she always pays her rent on 15th each month.

It's a fine business model as long as you don't mind your tenants paying fees for your use of the software. 

Putting two homes under agreement then paying to do inspections and appraisals etc. is a complete waste. 

To offset these costs, your association requires owner-landlords to pay an annual leasing administration fee.

So I had to pay the subscription fee.

For the sale, you would have to 1031 into a different property to avoid paying taxes.