We had an investment group willing to come in and zero-lot line a dilapidated apartment complex in Corvallis and give the tenants the opportunity to buy to help solve our affordability crisis here, but nonetheless, the city forced their hand by needing a half-street development after changing zoning that killed the deal.

Opportunity Zones 2.0?

The houses they buy are in non-flood zone.

I know, there are plenty of red flags there, but I do believe it is worth the risk when I consider how happy it makes my wife, how life-changing it will be for the family, how minor the financial impact will be on me, and how it gives me the opportunity to practice the steps of real estate investing with forgiving tenants.Finally, I am going to attempt to self manage as nothing comes close to cash-flowing if you include PM costs.

Get something you don't have to renew or refinance so you don't have to worry about it later.Also, be sure that the property is zoned for STRs out there. 

One of the biggest red flags I have as a lender (who lends my own money as well as secondary market loan) is when a rookie tells me there goal is to buy 10, 20, whatever properties in the next year. my next question is how many do you own currently?

Any local land use and zoning restrictions?

It is in a northern MI Downtown area (opp zone) in a county seat with 2 hospitals, had it re-zoned to mixed use, and is considered blighted which makes it eligible for MEDC funding of up to 50% of project cost.It is 8k sqft (4,000 each level) with the lower level being a walkout (top level is street level with sloped drive down to the rear of the building).

Gaps in rent payments or undisclosed tenant issues should have been red flags.It’s good to see the OP trying to help their client navigate this, as acting promptly is critical for any chance of recovery.

You’ll find properties specifically zoned for short-term use, which makes your life so much easier.