Hi Erica,
I agree with everything Scott said. There is one additional thing I want to point out to you. Make sure that you not only get yourself qualified before you delve into this, but make sure that the homeowner is credit worthy also. Many sellers are offering lease/purchase options but are in a tight credit crunch themselves. Make sure they are going to be able to hand over clear title at the end of the option term.

Another site to check is http://www.screnttown.com. I don't know if they have houses available in your area or not, but they are investors who offer rent to own.

There are very few that are in a financial position to do this. You can simply check with every listing agent to see if the house as that ability or you can find a buyer broker who can do it for you. You may use your time better looking under rentals and ask if they would be willing to do a lease purchase, at least then you already know they are willing to lease and what they will charge a month. When negotiating a lease purchase make sure you negotiate the lease and negotiate th sale. Before diving in get prequalified by a trusted and local mortgage broker, they will tell you what price range you should be looking in and what it will take tyo get you a mortgage so you know how long of a lease you need. good luck