Here are a few simple and free ways to learn: Go to real estate meetup groups, attend open houses and speak with the agent there, inspect FSBOs (for sale by owner), walk your area, and speak to people tending their yards.The idea is to engage with other people and ask, Ask, ASK questions about their experience with the local market.Some other ideas: find a home inspector who will let you tag along in a property inspection, and absorb what they are looking at and why.Your mindset and enthusiasm for learning about real estate will open many doors for you.Good Luck!

We've been communicating quarterly on the property status, but a simple search on Zillow made me think he's lying to me.

While designed to protect tenants, rent control has adverse effects on the broader rental market.

(Noticed I didn't include architects in that list - from my experience most architects are great at building design but shouldn't try to do land planning.)If you have never done any development like this before than it would make sense to partner with someone who has (or flip it entirely) once you have a site plan of the property's potential.

And some of us been replying back yes there is, just where they are, how to get them, has changed a bit and it's no longer as simple as closing your eyes and randomly throwing darts at a MLS map and buying whatever. yes, those days are long gone but if your willing to roll-up the sleeves and get professional at it, there is "deals" all over the place, you just gotta get skilled on how to find them, tap them, monetize them. 

Stuff as simple as replace cabinets/counters and repaint.

Quote from @Sarah Rhee: I have a real simple rule for investing: never sell an investment unless you can move the money to a better-performing asset, or if the sale will move you closer to your goal.Your situation doesn't meet my rules.

If not, hire a professional architect or floor plan designer, or use tools like RoomSketcher, MagicPlan, or Matterport to create them.

I do not want to use a will or trust to designate inheritance after my death. 

If you want to hit the projected numbers or even outdo them, your property must stand out in location, view, management, and especially design.