I informed her the same day that when I put out my garbage a man went dumpster diving as no garbage was left in the home. 

We put together a team of investors along with a SBA loan we’re able to purchase the facility.

The idea that you can build wealth without putting any money into it is a recipe for disaster and the sales pitch of gurus trying to steal your money.

For plans that will pay off later, get into house hacking, save money for a first payment, meet people in local real estate groups and find a mentor, and put money into things that earn without much work like stock index funds or ETFs.

For an experienced investor you may put as low as 10% down on a hard money loan, with a handful doing 100% financing. 

I know that in single families in Cleveland Heights people have put in basement bedrooms with an egress window and they were on formal plans that were submitted to the city and approved. 

@Oliver Fisher, double closings aren't illegal in CO, it's just that no one in town seems to do them without you putting up the funds. 

This is a "hire someone" but getting someone to look at it before we need to put in an offer is tough in the local market and the contractor we usually use is unavailable do to family issues for the next two weeks.  2) Will it matter which direction the new stairs would run up the second floor in regards to the direction the joists run? 

They make enclosed lockable bike storage containers, you can put near one of the exits.

It can be time consuming because there are spammers/fake leads that could waste your time, but if you're willing to put in the time and filter those bad leads, the chances of you renting your place out will be high.