Chain store retailers are like sheep, and they do follow one another as many retailers have good synergies with one another.  

I would buy a 24" cabinet and install a pull out laundry basket and then you only have a 12" space or so... that can be used for storing the toilet brush and a decent trash can OR a pull out towel rack.

(Try to find a local store that sells a box of 10 or 12 filters, if you can - cheaper that way.)  

Even grocery stores are changing across Chicago.....I’m sure things like this is happening all over the Uhired States especially with Toys r Us announcing they are closing.

I recommend checking out the BiggerPockets books -- they're very readable and informative.https://www.biggerpockets.com/store/managing-properties-physical

I know I can go to the big box stores, but would like to get the inside scope on where to find the best deals in town.

Generally you want higher income two years before you apply for financing, so you could change your tax strategies depending on which years you need a loan.The most interesting real estate tax tactics to me are the 1031 and cost-segregation depreciation.Also, as a retail business owner, you can qualify for some SBA financing that will allow you to owner-operate commercial real estate to where you could run your store in a building while renting out some of it at the same time to generate that income.And for commercial you can use the income from the target property to help your income.

-bought for 180K-conservative value today 250K (potential net from sale - 50K)-conservative potential rent - 2000 / mo (potential net monthly cashflow - $800 /mo-currently a small pocket neighborhood with no through streets that feeds into a great elementary school and good middle-high school "Problems:"-our street, currently a dead end is about to become a through street that will become a major shortcut for another 300 or so house development to our West to get to the highway and the grocery store.

You can find several products that can be attached to a window which creates a second egress (think emergency rope ladder) these are cost effective and can be stored in a case as to not be messed with.

The big box stores have shrugged their collective shoulders.