There have been lots of stop and starts with businesses opening for a few months to a year only to close due to rents being too high and not enough people to patronize the shops. 

Despite all that, I did visit a couple of nice neighborhoods (not many) and if the properties you're looking at happen to be in one of those, you're at a much better spot than what I have described above. 

You are buying 1 property in a local neighborhood.

My ideal property is a detached single-family distressed, 3/1 or 3/2 home in an A or B neighborhood with good schools, ideally in the $200K-$300K range.

I understand home designs are pretty expensive, and cannot just be applied to any lot/existing neighborhood.

Delve into market trends, neighborhoods, and property types that align with your goals.

Recently acquired a fantastic property in a great neighborhood as a "fix-n-flip" however due the properties age and value I've not been able to find anyone to insure the vacant property while my crew does the restoration work.

This condo is in the heart of a prime neighborhood in Charlotte surrounded by multi million dollar single family homes.

I think going in to the deal guaranteeing 80% is a bit of a bold step, but it really depends on the address and the neighborhood characteristics. 

I would love to help if you're still interested in the Norfolk ODU area,  great place to invest if you know the market well,  can be terrible if you don't know the right neighborhoods..