That said, through conversations with brokers in the area (and evidenced in the comps I’ve created) I’ve learned that this strategy may be slightly outdated as most properties are currently at market rents given the current rental environment, expenses aren’t a realistic lever to rely on to add value, and there is a real risk I get priced out of the market by buyers with cash, 1031 exchanges, and with longer term hold strategies willing to pay an extra $10-20k per key.

You can add language that says, you cannot exercise your Option for the 1st (fill in a timeline) years. 

You're in the right place to learn about remote real estate investing.

I'd love to hear what you have to say & learn how to navigate an opportunity like this. 

Hello Everyone,I am relocating to the DFW area and I am looking for some REI meet ups to attend and learn about the area.

I want a show of hands of how many investors would like to learn how to use the MLS to go after on market properties?

There is no language in a purchase contract that gives the seller rights to ANY inspection report paid for by the borrower and/or required by a lender. 

Plus I think I could learn a lot if I jumped into residential. 

Learn more about REI, understand the market around you, then buy deals that match the strategies you want to pursue.

BTW, I recently learned that if the house is owned by a trust, then the beneficiaries could satisfy the OO mandate to serve as owners if they reside there.