@Gamble LiAround here (Fredericton), the inventory on 6-10 unit buildings is pretty tight  - though there are a couple for sale at the moment in a part of the City that is a little less desirable.  

I would definitely give it a try, it will be an educated gamble. 

Any ideas, or is it just a gamble?

Well, it's always a gamble.

Richmond is interesting because there are some up and coming neighborhoods but you are taking a little bit of a gamble if you bet on those.

Now, we all know that the gamble is that they "always will" renew & many have been caught with their 5 years ending in a bad lending year putting you at risk of the balloon payment coming due with the bank taking a pass on renewing.

Your guy may have a substance abusers or gambling problem.Everyone has a part in this.

Not into gambling anymore.Swanny

I know of no landlord that doesn't strive for those things, while those factors also being largely out of your control based on external uncontrollable variables.

So I ask and they just say "give me the original plans and 10k and we'll go from there" but that seems like a gamble.