I know that time can’t actually be measured and determined, but what can I do to ensure I am making smart moves?

Actually, it means you owe him a commission upon the sale of the property during the term of this contract UNLESS you contract with another broker BEFORE you sign this contract.

There are cheaper properties in the $300K range, but they are in rundown drug-infested areas.The calc I ran for this one was taking into account current rents, which we researched and determined to be a bit low.

He's just lowered the price, has it available during the best season to have a lease signed, and has it at a low price point.

Even when they help me push start my car after the move-in so i can leave, it never comes up...But I do have an s-corp PM co so rents go to that and leases are signed by me as an employee of that. 

I have requested that the owner permit me, as the soon-to-be-owner, to ask the tenants if they are willing to sign a letter of intent to renew leases pending background checks.

Litterally I went on google and put something in and a bigger pockets discussion forum came up with people from my area, but I just can't find out how to find it on the bigger pockets website once signed in.

We did a quick paint-and-clean and put it on the market to see what would happen and within four days we had a signed contract for 67% more than we paid for it two years ago.

It's important to set expectations before you sign the marriage license.

However, we’d like to keep you as tenants, so instead of $100 we could give a discount of $40 per month off that, if you sign a 2 year lease.