So by spending $42k I collected an additional $75k over 5 years, and then sold the furniture through a consignment store collecting $8k as my share.  

His "owner occupied" loan application is ok if he intended to live there when he applied.

These platforms typically have billing policies where you pay a per unit fee per month to the software and you get regular updates and support each month.There are a number of low-cost platforms available that are able to offer you a lower price by passing along some of the costs to your tenants (payment processing fees, applications, tenant screening, etc).

During the escrow/title process, you are finalizing loan documents, reviewing title documents (HOA disclosures if applicable, title reports, etc), obtaining homeowner's insurance, and preparing to wire your funds to title. 

These requirements are solid, keep them: Application: Everyone aged 18 or older must complete an application.

MD is bad compared to Ohio where piercing the corporate veil is a myth - applicable only where the owner (even 100%) has committed a crime or fraud.

There would potentially be some weight issues with the 2nd+ floors of some shopping malls, depending on what the potential tenant wants to store in the upstairs unit. 

Again, the BiggerPockets store has some books on this topic, or you can learn about it by watching podcasts, reading blogs, and interacting on the forum.

Personally I use RentRedi (free with BP Pro) for management and Zillow for applications and screening.

I can tell you that being around new construction the past 12 years, I would say 1/4 of the projects we have been apart from residential to commercial will experience delays to MFGs out of stock, HOAs changing their specs, Cities changing their specs, Weather 2-3Xs budgeted rain delays, Subcontractor injuries and death.....Then Hurricane Harvey in Houston are.....WOAH  major delays...I have seen it.We are happy to be providing funding to DCGI's BTR community members, many have gotten their applications in already and look forward to helping the rest of yall accomplish your real estate goals.