Lease with option to purchase

I read a book called "Making Big Money in Real Estate without Tenants, Banks or Rehab" by Peter Conti and David Finkel.  The authors were talking about leasing properties with an option to purchase and then subleasing to potential buyers and eventually selling the properties to them.  I attempted to find an office where I could see if I could get their forms, but could not find a physical office.  I talked to several attorneys, most of whom said they would not be interested in creating a Lease Agreement with Option to Purchase that would spell out some of the other items that the book suggested (ei: who would be responsible for maintenance during the lease term).  Anyhow, the last attorney that I talked with said that I would actually be dealing in Securities, not real estate as I would be selling options.  

I wondered if anyone else has read the book or has an opinion as to how to proceed or if this is indeed dealing in Securities?

Thanks,

Barbara Brennan