Grerat time and area to start.Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthereCheck out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide - A fantastic free book that walks through many of the key topics of real estate investing.Check out the free BiggerPockets Podcast - A weekly podcast with interviews and a ton of great advice.

I look forward to future posts about it.Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthereCheck out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide - A fantastic free book that walks through many of the key topics of real estate investing.Check out the free BiggerPockets Podcast - A weekly podcast with interviews and a ton of great advice.

Showings were going ok but either nobody I wanted was pulling the trigger or else the people that did pull the trigger just didn't fit what I wanted there (income, job history, etc).It was a week before xmas and somebody asked me about doing a 6 month lease.

Agreed @Daniel Dietz , it can be done but as you said these were long-term relationships you were dealing with, not strangers who walk up and ask for $500k with nothing down.

There are some restrictions and a loan officer can help walk you through the qualifying criteria, but they USDA program offers 100% financing for those who qualify.

Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthere Check out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide - A fantastic free book that walks through many of the key topics of real estate investing.

But you can accomplish some of that with a monthly walk/drive around your properties.

There's not really a one-size-fits-all answer to your question.

As every time I walk on them I feel like they are ready to collapse.

If they cant qualify today, find out what is lacking, and have the RMLO state that in a letter. 3. the tenant buyer has "skin in the game" from the option fee, so they are less likely to damage the place. 4. the seller should do a walk through and inspect the place regularly, like every month. 5.