The appeal of a lease option, is ideally selling it to the first tenant so that I don't have to worry as much about them moving out and having to touch up paint, clean or replace carpet etc as well as market it vacant vs cash flowing.Is this actually a bad idea?  

Find something that needs paint, carpets, landscaping and cleaning, if possible.  

T o me Not a problem it can probably be cleaned .

First you get the money, then you get the power"

If someone cleaned out all of their stuff and paid rent to me for three or four years on an empty apartment, I would be as happy as a clam, because its not causing any more wear and tear on the property. 

Then, 2 weekends ago, I was cleaning out my grandfathers house as he recently passed.

Front stairs and walk way need some TLC the steps are cracking at least power wash and fill cracks in if you don't want to replace with pavers or bricks. 

Several complaints to the city and he cleaned it all up and put in sod. 

a few days late since i am super busy with the current rehabs, but closed on #19 on thursday night. worked on it for awhile with the listing agent and the brokerage. they apparently have a great relationship with the feds and kept trying a few times to get the best price. about a month+ ago, it was listed at 72k, i believe. then a few days later it dropped to 64.9k. i offered 52, but they didn't take. they said they had another offer. then i offered 55 and stuck to it 3 times in a row. they said best they'd do at this time was 55.5, so i took it.it's in Garden City, but on the border with Westland. it's on a cross road (one that goes between 2 major roads, so that will push some people away. numbers look like this:purchase - 55.5krehab - who knows, after 18, i still can't estimate properly, but i am hoping $20k at mosttaxes - $2,500rent - average rent is $1,000the problem is that i am out of money right now and can't touch it until i am done with the latest 2 rehabs. i might do a little here and there like demo and cleaning up the yard of trees and such, but no major installs until we are done with the latest 2.my goal was 20 a year ago. i am close, so i just need a new goal.

In exchange for this permission, the Tenant agrees as follows:1.To keep no more than 1 domestic dog(s) as described below.2.To pay additional rent in the amount of $ 0 per month; or3.To deposit with the Landlord a "Non-refundable Pet Deposit" in the amount of $ 250 which shall be held as security for the faithful performance of this pet Agreement and shall be used upon the termination or expiration of this Agreement for the purposes of cleaning the Premises.4.To keep the pet from causing any annoyance or discomfort to others and to immediately remedy any complaints concerning the pet.5.To keep the pet from damaging any property belonging to the Landlord or others.6.To immediately pay for any injury, damage, loss, or expense caused by the pet (In this regard, it is expressly understood that at no time shall the Tenant apply any part of the Pet Deposit towards such amounts due, but rather, the Tenant shall make restitution immediately and separately from the Pet Deposit.7.To keep the pet under control at all times.8.To keep the pet restrained, but not tethered, when it is outside of the Premises.9.Not to leave the pet unattended for any unreasonable periods.10.To hold the Landlord harmless from all liability arising from the Tenant's ownership or keeping of the pet, including but not limited to any liability resulting from the Landlord turning said pet over to local pet policing authorities should the pet be found unsupervised.11.To dispose of the pet's droppings properly and quickly.Also, to coordinate the cleanup of the pet’s droppings with the weekly lawn maintenance.12.To insure that the pet will wear the appropriate Local Animal License, a valid Rabies Tag and tag bearing the owners name and phone number.All licenses and tags must be kept current.13.Tenant agrees to control flea infestation and will exterminate if necessary, and upon demand, in any and all areas affected with full cost to be paid by tenant. 14.Tenant agrees that Landlord will not be responsible for the injury, harm, or death of the animal, and agrees to hold Landlord harmless for any damages suffered as a result of any harm caused on the animal or by the animal upon another person, guest or employee.