The idea is that you pay an upfront option fee (1 to 10% depending on the owners market/motivation/competition) to purchase the house later at a predetermined price while you rent it, usually at slightly higher market rents (& you may be given rent credits for monthly on time payments which will be used for your closing costs at time of purchase).  

You do this with lower priced homes, you'll have issues, more than half falling out unless you hold their hand, educate them, monitor them and motivate them to cure what ales them.Having a CPA who got divorced and had medical bills, or any other sophisticated professional, who doesn't need a babysitter is a much better prospect.

If not, it will be a challenge (and not something that will likely happen before you close unless your seller is incredibly motivated and kind).

Neither list will outperform the other unless and until you reach a seller motivated by self interest.

I have a client that is motivated in and has agreed to sell their property.  

We are a highly motivated couple from New York, that have self educated ourselves in passive and active investing.

I think that's a great idea not telling about a bonus, but my thinking was to get him motivated to hustle up, (kids nowadays) lol.

As for your struggles........If sellers aren't returning your calls then they aren't motivated.

I have not seen any financials and don't know the other siblings motivations for selling or holding. 1/9 is not idea.

I'm very motivated to start my new journey and hope I can quit my day job and do this full time.