@Jedd Braunwarth That's unfortunate, I really like their interface and have used them for a few years but we just started submetering and really do not want to be entering utility bills every month for every unit. 

The thing is many if not most people who enter these agreements don't stay the 5 years or don't qualify for a proper loan at the end of 5 years so the owner keeps the property and had it rented out $200 per month above market the whole time. 

But you don't want to jump into a really bad deal right off the bat (especially as we enter a recession), so a lot of caution needs to be used.

If lenders are constrained from loaning to people who are jobless (i.e. unemployment is not a viable income source to qualify for a home loan) then we'll likely see a wave of new tenants enter the market, or tenants who would have exited in favor of home ownership will stay in the renting market. 

If it's you, and a friend that you've known for years, entering into a partnership to say, wholesale some properties, then maybe you could do without one.

I have no idea about operating a NNN property besides the fact that I would like enter the real estate field while minimizing the potential for issues since I will be quite far away for the foreseeable future. 

As in whose equity are they buying out/how are they entering the capital stack?

Not to mention that the payment plan you enter into may show up on a credit report (not sure never had a tax lien) but if it massively increases debt you owe it may hurt your score. 

There's no reason to enter into an exclusive option contract that I can see. 

(1) What advantages would a seller have to enter into a rent to buy option with a tenant/future buyer?