The lessee may have an equitable interest in the house, which could cloud the title to it post-purchase if a claim is exerted.I wouldn't proceed until consulting a real estate attorney well-versed in lease options and rent to own.    

If, say, he dies or we get in a bad argument, we want to be able to have some claim on the property. 

At the moment, for my own investment property financing purposes (not hers), I'm certain that our principle residence is counted by Fannie Mae guidelines because I am indeed on the title and the property is financed.Can I remove the principle residence from the count by quit claiming my interest to my wife?  

I've had the restoration company out, filed an insurance claim and am basically waiting for the insurance money to do repairs.

As mentioned before, call your lawyer or do small claims court.

My experience has been when a contractor wants to be paid in cash, there is usually no intention to claim the income on his/her taxes.  

Once there is a work around for folks to claim damages and get thier hardwood floors refinished and to purchase a good amount of new furniture, the flood gates will open.  

I was just inquiring why they don't rehab n flip as opposed to just wholesaling if the profits are as high as claimed.  

Seller claims mother is terminal and really needs to sell.

Call utility Co and ask, although they try to get out of it by claiming confidentiality, I just ell them I'm looking at the unit to rent/but and need to know "rough numbers", they will often will say what a "budget plan # is", as in a locked in monthly electric bill of $180 for a smaller all electric home I own, but not what the current occupants' exact bill is.