It does not tolerate moisture and swells up at the seams instantly if exposed to it. 

Are they doing everything they can to expose properties to the widest possible market?

We bought at the right price, were able to get legal non-conformance for use as a tri-plex when only a duplex was permitted and will improve the property even more by painting, re-exposing original architecture, adding laundry facilities, and increasing the rents to market value.

Hello, I am a new investor and recently was exposed to the possibility of investing in REIT’s.

Alert the buyer ASAP of new properties.Try to expose every negative about the property and the location before the buyer invests in inspections and appraisals. 

I am guessing I could make some big open-concept artist loft spaces on the upper 2 floors with exposed brick, etc., and get $800-$1000 per unit x 4-5 units.

(Poorly insulated house and the propane is around 300-400 a month to heat).

I'd like a firm that exposes me to both commercial and residential real estate.

However, this will expose you to more risk so you will need to be sure you have enough cash reserves and exit strategies to risk mitigate from unexpected problems. 

After getting exposed to renting beds vs renting single family homes, I set a goal to start invest in a single family home to rent out beds.