owner in distress, looking for solutions for a mixed-use MD property

[Demetria S.]

Hi all,

I'm new to Bigger Pockets but not to real-estate investing. A native New Yorker, I began investing in 2004 and have 3 properties in Baltimore, MD.  Problem is that the last property I purchased in 2011 is a commercial/residential duplex that is zoned M1-M2 on the 1st floor. This special zoning means I can only rent to warehouses, manufacturing and certain types of service businesses, such as carpet & rug cleaning establishments, massage therapist offices, music studios etc. Additionally the space is about 1000 square feet, and is set up like a 2-bedroom apartment. Although I've had tenants off & on in the 2nd floor unit none have stayed more than a year and I'm in court with the current tenant over unpaid back rent. I would appreciate any suggestions from the community on how to make this property profitable especially since I recently lost my full-time job and am looking to transition into real estate investing full time.