What might help you for the next attempt is to read (BP's book written by yours truly--The Hands Off Investor), and network (join a community where investors discuss deals, trade advice and observations--coming soon will be Passive Pockets, an offshoot of BiggerPockets which recently acquired the popular passive investing group Left Field Investors).

Get to know the guide lines and the Niche lending options that can make or break cash flow deals.If you ever have any questions feel free to reach out I enjoy offering tips, and loopholes to BP members to help save time and money!  

I just don't see why you'd want to do that at all.I would leave everything as it is and enjoy it. 

Yes, the landlord laws may not be as friendly, but maybe I could just be really stringent when fielding tenants?

@Dave Kush You can send them a certified letter that it is no longer a smoking building and you would have to use an existing term like quiet enjoyment or not disturbing others to enforce. 

It was a wild ride for him, especially in the first year, but seeing guests enjoy the space made it all worthwhile.Given your engineering background and rehab experience, you're well-equipped to handle the complexities.

I’ve been enjoying listening to Bigger Pockets podcasts for a while and read a couple Bigger Pockets intro books to real-estate/house-hacking.

I drove through some community and like a after war field. 

Dollar cost average your way in and enjoy the ride!

Although our family enjoys beaches, if we decide to live in the city, we might opt for an inland residence to save money and visit the condos as needed.