I still have cash in the bank, but not enough to dish out another $30K in more downpayments & closing costs without going house poor.

That means do the dishes/start the dishwasher, bag up the trash and start the wet towels in the wash. 

The cost of living is an interesting one - as in my view it supports a decision to move somewhere, or perhaps a business decision to open a satellite office, etc - however it does not typically 'drive' that decision.One of the key and most important advantages that Iowa has from a labor perspective, and I believe why the DSM market is a great fit for insurance/finance - is that the typical resident knows central Iowa and is 'content' - this doesn't mean that they are settling, as I do believe the DSM market is a 'special' place once you get to know it - however I'd put a strong bet as compared to other metros that if you polled people, the question 'Do you see yourself moving in the next few decades or do you ever yearn to move?'

You’ll need to sell some food, sandwiches, muffins, etc  too I would think....coolers, display cases/coolers, dishes, dishwashers, supplies, costs for labor, rent, utilities, insurance, licenses, permits, inspections, etc, etc.

Is there anyway to verify because the last thing I would want is a problem for the new buyer and me because the old owner didn't want to dish out money to put in a drive way on his property.

It was a good office, but a satellite office clearly. 

Something as simple as Tumeric (a root spice) or also called Curcumin sells for pennies, is readily available, is used in curries and other dishes and cures some of the medial problems people have.

It's not fun doing your dishes in the tub but when all is said and done, it's a great way to build equity. 

Since we are buying AFTER the school season has started we know vacancy will be a challenge until next school year and are hoping to get some leasing for spring semester, but have entertained the idea of AirBnB, but the following questions have stopped me from pursuing it:The purchasing/transportation/assembly of furnitureThings will likely get ruined (sheets, dishes, furniture) will my cleaning lady/house mom really be willing to go out and buy these things and replace them?

But if you go with core/satellite portfolio construction (i.e. most of your investment should be in things that are conservative, with a smaller satellite portion in riskier things) then I think this is a great core holding.2) hard money loans: when underwritten conservatively (65% LTV or lower, no judicial-only states, first lien, etc), they can be a very good defensive investment in the downturn.