I guess fear of poverty was a driving force for me, I knew I didn't want to work that hard and long to earn a living. 

I'm guessing he is not an real estate attorney, but a general practitioner with maybe a partial RE focus?  

I guess my question to the experienced investors would you have both in your portfolio?

I guess what I  am asking is, is there such a thing as a brokers contract I can use for OHIO?

;)I too agree that $15k seems quite high....if it's a negotiation tactic with the seller, then good for you, but I'd guess you could get a quality tear off and new roof for half of that. 

I'll have my license by the end of the year, and starting to second guess my original decision to work for a large brokerage, CB, in the town where I live, which is fairly rural. 

I guess with these numbers, there is no way it can work.Thanks for your input. 

I guess this brings up a larger economic/philosophical issue: What happens to these beautiful brick homes and distressed communities when the costs to renovate exceed the current opinion of ARV? 

I've been in Maine for the last 4 years and went to school here for 5 years before that so I guess I'm a transplant at this point.

Like I said I don't know the advantages and disadvantages of lease option vs subject to but I guess I juste understand the mechanics and paperwork better.