There is typically a fee every month to keep the option alive, but there doesn't have to be.  

Hi,What is the typical process that goes into purchasing a larger apartment complex?

Finally realize rent appreciation typically correlates closely with property appreciation.  

A 1031 exchange would be used to sell an existing property you own and buy one (or more) replacement properties without paying the capital gains tax on your sale.  

@Elizabeth Ricci - short sales are a little more difficult but also due to the timing you also typically have more outs.

Hi, typically a conventional bank will want you to be on title for at least 6 months before you do a cash out refi.

If you haven't done so definitely check out the Bigger Pockets Podcast there is a lot to learn and a wealth of knowledge to be gained from there. 

Since you say you & your husband are just getting started you will find this site to have a ton of material you can gain knowledge from in many different formats like webinars, podcasts, blogs, forums, articles, and books.

In building my portfolio, I want to continually think of ways to gain traction and accelerate towards my financial goals.

Sellers often hire a auction company, which advertises the property for sale and typically hosts maybe one open house to show off the home.