IMO, the foolproof way you ensure you avoid potentially squirrely irrational choices by your seller is by controlling the title, instead of a contract between you and seller.   

But it can be done.Once you have built up a couple million, you can roll that money into the passive income producing machine and stop working so hard if that is your desire.You have choices and real estate is one of them. 

Given the choice, err on the slightly generous side.  

In their experience, pretty much everything is usually then gone within 24 hours as the owners move what they can, but the neighbors take the rest.I feel bad about that and I'm not sure how to reconcile that with the reality that this is all a result of choices they have made.  

Gas is always the better choice.

However, I don't think out of state owners is your best choice.

With that comes management, your choice.

I thought the mullet was a better comparison - it's a discretionary choice and lifestyle decision that was popular for ~10-12 years.  

In that regard it is a personal choice based on tolerance for risk and willingness to deal with potential hassles.

The safest for the lender.Using the terms above, 49,000 will be released at closing and go towards the purchase price.