and the only question in my mind is if the landlords will be able to re-rent quickly or if there will be some kind of a 'black swan' event when rentals in DC become completely unaffordable/unattractive.

It sounds like you do if you want to self manage.

If this isn't required, then most likely having the GC sign a completion guarantee to ensure the project gets finished and lender is not stuck with a partially complete asset is the case. 

Completely redid the basement.

It by no means is an exhaustive search but I also haven’t seen any co-op communities selling for 50% of comparable condos.I also know lenders that have originated loans for the co-ops in Laguna Hills and I was also reading how Fannie Mae buys mortgages issues to co-ops so it sounds like there’s a market for both qualified and non-qualified loans.

The neighborhood specialist sounds to be the better fit.

You sound super motivated, I am excited for you! 

Sounds like it might be doable, especially since you have already experienced what it would be like.

Louis (though I was born in STL).This sounds like a great property.

The 1st was a complete waste and actually shut down during my 3rd week in.