In a simple statement, there is no reason a Lease Option Contract would disqualify you from a future mortgage, if you can afford the future mortgage.To some degree, it sounds like both are wrong.  

The neighborhood seems great to invest as it is close to Johns Hopkins Hospital, a huge top ranked hospital, the touristy waterfront, a huge park, yet it still has enough city edge to keep prices affordable.

We protect the lender by putting them on the insurance as the loss payee, and by having a solid deed of trust drawn up.I dont do 1 or 2 flips a year, we have a business to run and overhead to support and I cannot afford to split the profits 50/50 with my lender. 

As I see it, a RE license can only afford you more opportunity as a real estate investor, it certainly can't hurt.

As a self-employed student who will be starting at UCLA this fall, I am nervous about being able to afford my schooling as it is an important goal of mine.

I chose 20% down and the ability to personally afford the mortgage without affecting my lifestyle even if the property is not rented for extended periods of time.  

Good luck,I think we are lucky to live in a city where investing is affordable.

I do hear that there are plenty of affordable homes up in Northern CA and away from the coastal cities, though I can't say that from experience.

However, imo, if you can afford to buy several teardowns-to-be in the motor city and wait for the upside to come(if and when that will be is very uncertained) than go for it.

My friend moved there a while back and he couldn't believe how affordable the houses were.The room rental is a good idea.