I've been watching closely for a home that we can rent with an option to buy.

Two short years ago we qualilfied for a home loan, and now we're having a hard time qualifying although our credit is the same and... we now have a higher income. 

 We've been playing the waiting game as the brokers snub us and push us back another year, maybe longer?

I havent' been able to find many ads online or in the newspapers offering lease/options in Tehachapi. 

The Rental Agencies are in the business of Managing properties, and the Realtors are in the business of Selling properties.  They  have something in common...neither has any interest in helping out in the" rent to own" category.

Who can blame them?  That's like volunteering time.

Rent is getting more expensive as the demand becomes higher.  Our economy went through a recession about ten years ago...the gas prices went up, people lost their homes to foreclosure and it was cheaper to purchase a home than it was to rent one!  Some people were fortunate enough to buy low and get through without losing much.

It seems that there must be owners that are willing to rent and give the renter an option to  purchase the home with a one to two year lease.

I've seen many newer homes that have been sitting empty, and it seems that it would be beneficial for owners and potential renters/buyers to find a way to connect and possibly bypass high fees for the middle man.