I felt they were probably looking for a temporary situation and the possibility of moving back if things didn't work out for them, so not probably long term.

I'm considering a value add if the construction costs work out to add a 2nd bath (either full or half) to one property than is a 3/1. 

"Never buy weird if you can help it" is advice I routinely give, and it goes without saying to try and avoid creating a weird place that sticks out from what conforms to the neighborhood.  

I would really like this to work out, I want to be a landlord and hopefully own 5+ more rentals.

Vernon will enact any in the future, but generally speaking properties outside of city limits tend to have less pressure to enact restrictions.It's always important to have multiple pivot options if your initial strategy dosen't work out.

It could work out nicely or it might not, you'll need to decide what you want to take a risk on.

Any issues you encounter in the beginning time will work out for you.

Work out some sort of split that is fair for what each will contribute and jump in!  

Why dont you and I work out the details, and work on holding one within the next month or two.  

I've even made an offer on a distressed property in my last trip and had a great experience negotiating and trying to workout a deal.