I was just getting ready to post something to get advice about what is the best niche for me for long term passive income being that I have the skills and manpower to accomplish much for a lower cost or at least the same cost as someone paying a "budget" contractor (we are not a budget contractor from a retail perspective). 

.- use back half of the lower level for self storage facility and rent those out.- Lease out the store front half of the lower level to retail or something similar (not a priority since the apartments and storage alone will cash-flow the deal)Operating Expenses: ~$11000 (high estimate)NOI: $26350.00Debt Expense: $18914Cash Flow before taxes: $7438.00Taxable NOI: $4425I’m not looking to pay myself anything, as I’d just like to hold this as long as possible for my kids and to learn as much as possible for my next deal.

In DC, Montgomery County, Arlington and Fairfax County you will get less cash flow on initial purchase, but a lower risk asset with higher rent growth and higher appreciation.

That what is I prefer; lower profits but less headaches and consistent paying tenants.

Projected rents being the lower of appraised rent or current rent (if current leases are in place).

I recently approved a young lower-income couple.

They no longer have much benefit in not executing the option, removing that benefit entirely.In your scenario, what do you see as the specific benefit for the person acquiring the option, as opposed to buying the property outright for a lower price?

I'm Dan, 57 and still working for a living.  Planning on doing so for a few years yet.  I was involved in real estate investing in the Phoenix area in the late 90's and up through 2008.  We all know what happened then...

I will have a much lower payment for the mortgage, while retaining some cash for a down payment here in Colorado.  

At the end of the day, your student loans will most likely be at a much lower interest rate than where the building will be returning.