Would love some clarity too so many choices thanks in advance 

If during the screening a applicant gives any push back or questions my lease I reject them based on attitude.Once I narrows it down to the best I have a second personal interview to insure I have made the right choice before accepting them as a tenant.I reject any applicant I believe will be a bad personality fit for my property regardless of how qualified they may be.

A PM won't be responsible for their placement choice anyway. 

@Tyler Jahnke I agree with Chris that a partial may be a good choice for you but make sure you keep enough in reserve to cover any vacant and/or sudden repairs that come up.

You will have to paint because the new tiles won't match.Second choice would be installing sheet rock over it.

In all, I think it is the right choice long term.By any chance....do you know someone that can run underground wiring...Santa Monica will make you do that. 

If you have a preference when choosing the home depot choices (glue vs interlocking) which one do you recommend. 

@Megan Silver Sounds like a wise choice.

I made that choice because I know the broker well and have a TON of respect for her.In my opinion, you want a brokerage that will invest in helping you to build your business. 

I did something very similar and my fiance lives with me, the motivation was that the PITI was about the same as I would be paying in rent, so it seemed like an obvious choice.