I have met with some of the CCIM folks locally and they all seem like quality folks.  

To avoid going through the same poor experience, keep reading.Even if someone gives you a referral here, do NOT make the mistake of assuming that the PMC will meet your expectations, just because they met the expectations of the referral source.In our experience, the #1 mistake owners make when selecting a Property Management Company (PMC) is ASSUMING instead of CONFIRMING.It's often a case of not doing enough research, as they don't know what they don't know!

What seemed like a great investment 2 years ago would be a poor one now......which is why you need to go in with a long term horizon in mind.

Also you might check out the school district ratings to help you get an idea of the quality of the area. 

Also, in terms of flooring for the storefront what material would be best in terms of money and quality? 

if you have haven’t read “rich dad poor dad” you should do so for the encouragement it will give you.  

To avoid going through the same poor experience, keep reading.Even if someone gives you a referral here, do NOT make the mistake of assuming that the PMC will meet your expectations, just because they met the expectations of the referral source.In our experience, the #1 mistake owners make when selecting a Property Management Company (PMC) is ASSUMING instead of CONFIRMING.It's often a case of not doing enough research, as they don't know what they don't know!

With a quality relationship they will just continue to get better and better.Example: I met this local lady.

I learned that in order for my investing business to be successful I needed three important ingredients: (1) Money (2) Quality contractors (3) Off market properties.That led me to concentrated on finding deals that the numbers worked within, even with rates at 12%+ and up to 4 points for short-term money, and in areas where quality contractors wanted to do work.

Nothing sits on the market for a year that isn't wildly over priced, poorly marketed and/or made difficult to show.Potential buyers have probably tried to see the place and are being denied or some sort of nonsense to make them not want to make an offer.I bet the realtor will have some interesting info to share - or if they won't say anything to you bc their agreement is with your partner kindly share with them that the houses are in your name and the listing's need canceled immediately unless they start cooperating.Have you laywerd up yet?