The way you can earn money is by signing up for their programs and recruiting other people to do the same.

I also have a desire to create a positive change in my community by providing safe, clean, and stable residences for people but, alas, we can't help everyone.  

We then affected a few repairs that we saw as necessary.As @Joe Fairless indicated, you are getting your desired rent increase, but with the renovation deferred .... just be certain to set aside a reserve to renovate that unit when the tenant does leave.

If the property earns income (rent) you will be subject to the 25% upfront withholding (as you previously mentioned) on revenue.  

So based on what you highlighted in your post, several conditions could be present.  1) real estate market is flat, 2) area the properties are located in or the property itself is not desirable, 3) there are other factors that 'drive' up the actual costs on the property, 4) property taxes in PA are really low to begin with, 5) competition is low, 6) other reasons, 7) none of the above and they were in the right place at the right time.  

ThanksGreg You didn't specify the upside nor speak of a value add play in the deal so it's a little difficult to speculate how to best structure a creative financing package.Assuming it's a value add play with good risk adjusted gains at the end of the process then maybe the safest route is to negotiate a wrap transaction with the seller, and if your are concerned about a due on sale clause make it contingent on the lenders approval.The seller will confront these same financing scenario issues with all other buyers so if they want to sell the property then they can either deal with the issue with a reset and able buyer, you, or kick the can down the line looking for another buyer who maybe willing to assume a less than stellar financing package.As the buyer though your only concern should be the financing package that delivers you title, assuming you plan on making extensive improvements to the property, and allows you to earn what you determine is a reasonable cash flow from the project.Options aren't bankable.

Although i haven't been as frequent as i would like to be here on BP, my desire and dedication to Real Estate Investing hasn't wavered.  

With LLCs, earnings typically 'passes through' to the owner of the LLC and you then pay taxes just as you would individually.If you plan on long term real estate investing, the duration or life of the LLC may become an issue in securing certain types of financing – especially under the name of the business entity.

I figured I might as well acquire employment in the area of real estate so that I will not only earn money and have something to show to the bankers/loan providers 2 years from now, but also acquire a lot of knowledge by surrounding myself with individuals who have a lot of knowledge to share with a young lad like myself.

I have paid $0 Federal Witholdings in over 6 years still earn money back.