@Yan GuoPrepayment of the entire lease is always a red flag, as @Dick Stevens has pointed out.

Take the best one and put them on a M2M lease.

I’d probably share in your concern in the single-family or small multi space, where the principals of the management company might also be the ones showing units, taking calls from prospects and making leasing decisions.In the large multi space, they probably wouldn’t steer residents to properties owned by the management company.

Is it similar to a lease option?

It gets complicated if in the lease all sales need to be approved by the park. 

I'm evaluating a number of different multifamily properties for purchase that are 100% occupied but with month-to-month leases. 

You can also use the search function on the site to filter all items related to multifamily and then search through the different blog posts, forums, and even see members that specialize in multifamily that you can connect with. 

We purchased the equipment instead of leasing it.  

Your lease should explain how to proceed and at who's expense,

Of course you could work for a property management company that already exists as an agent and do a good bit, show properties, sign leases, and other agent only duties... but if you want to open your own, you will have to work under a broker for 2 years and become a broker yourself.