I also finished the basement without permits, there's no kitchen there or anything of that matter but the outside entrance does not have a CO and neither does the bathroom.  

My opinion would be to have a base colour overall and use a complimentary or contrasting colour to highlight trim (adding some trim - Jim might have some ideas on where and what - will definitively give your building more presence.The entrance looks quite flimsy and cheap so could probably do with some beefing up of the supports to become more welcoming.  

The basement has a separate entrance and I would add a small kitchen as well.

I'm itching to get started and trying to believe that I don't need to be rich to make money, but I'm having a super hard time figuring out my entrance strategy.I also live in NJ very close to the city and know that my first property has got to be close and realistic.

It has a separate entrance outside of the bar and I would assume a separate address.

The current easement uses the parking lot for access but the owners are securing a private drive entrance from the residential street across and exiting multi-unit tenant building lot.

It's 5-10 years away confirmed it with DOTD office but could cause major headaches for tenants then as they propose to block off the regular entrance to the street during the project and maybe indefinitely rerouting it somewhere else.

My rental now is great, as it’s my downstairs that has its own entrance, more than pays my mortgage plus gives me several tax advantages and write offs.

Currently both basements are not developed but zoned for a multi-family and have separate entrances.

The door locks are replaced and there is a sensor spot light above each entrance.