Without that experience you are in the dark.  

Because they broke the lease of smoking in the unit (hard to prove) and that they have animals in the unit (is that enough)?

It was dark and sad looking but was in a great location with decent amenities.

I promise you we don't all hang out in dark alleys :)506(b)s can accept an unlimited number of accredited and up to 35 sophisticated investors.

Like I said, the only hard requirement is sunlight, since I spend all of my time programming in a room and if it's dark all the time my mental health suffers.As for home ownership, it's in the plan.

I'm also going through the unit to do any basic repairs and test the fire/smoke detectors too. 

A duplex presented itself and through years of blogs, podcasts, research during the dark ages if anyone remembers Carlton Sheets, and I cunningly took advantage of the Sellers weak points and stole the deal at a great price.

This can be way more cost effective than calling a smoke and fire restoration contractor that is used to just trying to max out the insurance. 

It seems like many smart locks have too many bells and whistles for this application.Because the basement currently can be accessed by anyone -- I don't want to make any assumptions about who has left things hidden in my basement ceiling or who may or may not be trying to smoke in a basement with natural gas heating fixtures.

New kitchen, bathroom, flooring throughout, as well as cigarette smoke mitigation.