For that small of a unit I would go with a mini split rather than central HVAC.  

Don't cheap out on all the furnishings, and make it quiet, decent furniture/appliances, no mini fridges, $10 toaster ovens, etc.

Unit 2 got new paint and very mini-renovation for the kitchen.

Heat pumps, electric radiant, electric convection heaters, mini splits, etc. have come along way and seem to be the way of the future.

If you do not have ducting, mini split is typically less expensive that HVAC.  

Maybe a mini bar with an ice machine and popcorn maker. 

which cash flows positive in an up and coming area that’s close enough to the rough zones to offer bargains but far enough away to feel safe walking our mini schnauzer late at night.

The apartments were run down and in need of all new kitchens (cabinets, counters, appliances), complete bathroom rehab, new HVAC (swamp coolers & furnaces >> mini splits), and the property needed electrical and plumbing updates. 

Digging one up is not very difficult and a small mini excavator will do.

I was using Google home kit with the Google mini but guest kept unplugging and shutting off the Google speaker (equivalent of Alexa).