and was thinking of renting to ow? And wondered if I should rent to own over just renting.

Rent to Own means you are renting. Renting doesn't count. Rent to own means you usually are renting x months and at the end of that time can optionally buy the house. Until you contract to buy, it's not yours.

To count, you have to meet a stringent benefits/burdens test:
Q. Can a taxpayer claim the first-time homebuyer credit if the purchase is pursuant to a seller financing arrangement (for example, a contract for deed, installment land sale contract, or long-term land contract), and the seller retains legal title to secure the taxpayer's payment obligations?

A. If the taxpayer obtains the "benefits and burdens" of ownership of a residence in a seller financing arrangement, then the taxpayer can claim the credit even though the seller retains legal title. Factors that indicate that a taxpayer has the benefits and burdens of ownership include: 1. the right of possession, 2. the right to obtain legal title upon full payment of the purchase price, 3. the right to construct improvements, 4. the obligation to pay property taxes, 5. the risk of loss, 6. the responsibility to insure the property and 7. the duty to maintain the property. (New 7/2/09)

As long as you have title of the house prior to 11/30/09 in YOUR name. FAT chance.