first multi use commercial opportunity possible rooming house

[Susan Clark]

I've come across an interesting property and Im not sure how to analyse it.  This is a multi use commercial property located on the canal in my town. currently it houses 2 storefronts on the first floor neither are even being advertised for rent. the second story 3000 sq ft house a 3bdrm apartment that the owner occupies free and clear plus there are three rooms, each renting at $350 month. the third floor is again totally blank space. I have a passion to service battered woman or woman released from prison. My idea would be to work with the owner to finance the deal and convert the rest of the building over a say two year period into rooms for this purpose with at least one of the store fronts becoming a coffee house run by some of these woman, modeling after a project that came about in my nearby city.  I have no idea where to start to analyse what it would take to convert this space. I've tried to contact the town supervisor but no response, contacted a local property manager who specializes in inmate release housing and wait for a return call. I've wondered about filing it under a not for profit organization. I contacted a few not for profits and they said if they desire housing for their clients they just purchase buildings themselves they dont rent them from investors.I have looked into a phase one environmental study as well. Another interesting feature to this building that fits my idea I think is that it sits a parking lot away from DSS.Any feed back would be helpful. thank you