I think I have a good basis, but don't quite have the knowledge to execute deals step by step.

Start trying other new strategies, craigslist ads are free and easy, maybe try your first yellow letter campaign, bandit signs... focus on 2 or maybe 3 marketing campaigns for a reasonable amount of time, execute each of them, track them and adjust them.

I realized this business is very lucrative and I know I can do this, I just need to focus and have a plan and simply execute....

A verbal agreement to lower the price will have no weight when a written contract executed at approximately the same time exists.

If I were the landlord/optionor personally I would not execute a purchase and sale agreement at the time of signing the lease/option.  

Executive Summary: Include 1 or 2 page summary description about the deal and your plan.

Jefferson, six figures to get someone to execute specific performance?

I do ask for a DOB on their application, driver's license, SS#, along with a bunch of other info, emergency contacts, vehicle information, pet information, employer, previous landlords etc etc etc...Then later on we execute a lease.Recently I have been toying with the idea of adding a clause into my lease agreement, to incorporates the actual application into the lease. 

You mentioned "FDIC risks", bank ratings are classified, only regulators and a hand full of bankers really know what issues a bank may have, the Board of Directors, President, maybe the Executive Sr, Vice President, the compliance officer/folks and key department heads. 

Good luck executing the plan . . . we'll be here to help when you've got questions!