I'd also suggest Ohio.

It’s simple for them to do this.

I would also suggest contacting an exprienced Attorney who handles commercial properties.  

That is the simple way

I second, @Wayne Brooks suggest to him that you would be willing to sign a listing agreement specific to that buyer or buyers if he has a few investors in mind that he thinks it will work for.  

He suggested I call the Sheriff Deputy who was my POC. 

The PM brought to our attention and suggested improvments he felt were nessesary on updating each unit, after our complete renovations were done.

As much as investors tend to complain about realtors, I'd strongly suggest that YOU need one since you sound very new to the game.

I would suggest to check with your local laws first.Most likely you will need permit ( I guess you can get away without, obviously not suggesting that :D)) but possible) , also check your zoning.If not possible to create separate unit legally, I suggest not putting an oven in the basement, and rent it without, or live in it yourself

Your advisor did you a disservice with a simple answer with no basis for their recommendation.