For example I know many who are now just lending because they are getting 10-12% short term which is far better than any cap rate on real estate. you do not have the equity upside as you do real estate but its a way to play the short game to see what happens over the next 12-24 months and decide when you want to buy.

We purchased the house about 3 months ago and are owner financing it.

In addition, the gas bills have shut off notices and are not being paid. (3 units are occupied and utilities are all paid by owner).

It could also help you to decide what type of real estate you would like to focus on - i.e., residential vs. commercial. 

Still, if you aren't whittling down the number you are analyzing financially to a small subset you see before deciding what to do, you are missing an essential part of getting to the tipping point of expertise in your field.

Short-term rentals of non-owner-occupied properties will also require a special use variance which is obtainable by starting with the completion of an application in the Zoning Department."

Quote from @Steve Wortman: Currently the owner operator of a motel.

California's SB 721, known as the Balcony Inspection Law, requires multifamily property owners to inspect exterior elevated elements (EEEs) like balconies and decks.

Unless you believe the owners knew in advance that this model would not work and were doing this to just feather their nest and move on ?

As first-time landlords, we considered self-management, but as new parents who work full-time, we decided that hiring a property manager would be the best option for long-term rentals.3.