If I'm in your shoes, I would probably ask myself what the procuring clause of the client/agreement was? 

@Robert WestenbergerIf I were in your shoes, I would focus on multi-family homes, single-family homes with ADUs, or live-in flips, and explore financing options like FHA loans, conventional loans, or first-time buyer programs.

always valuable to throw yourself in a guest's shoes and turn everything on and make sure it functions well or as intended. 

If I was in your shoes I personally would pass.

They called the office asking for us to buy them new shoes.

I know if I were in your shoes I would want someone to head over (ie...boots on the ground). 

Shoe collection and wardrobe that's way beyond what my budget affords. 

Now I am wearing the other shoe and it’s nice.

If I am in your shoes I would buy 2-4 units, get a conventional loan, ask the sellers to pay for the max contribution (3%) towards closing costs.

There's nothing wrong with renting for a year, getting your shoes on the ground, and learning more about the market.