My wife and I currently have two investment properties - one of them naturally comes with several horror stories attached, but I see it all as learning and try to stay positive.

Foreclosures are not the deals they used to be so, unless you have time and money to sit and spin, I'd look for open market transactions of a nature that suit your needs and wants.

The living area sets an overall mood of tranquility by inviting luminous natural light into the home, while an open concept floor plan leads you into a gorgeous updated kitchen with brand new stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and new cabinetry for all of your culinary needs.

My goal is to acquire 10 units over the next 5 years to supplement my income.  

Why not do neither and just supplement from the savings if you need it?

She does not believe it and is adamant that they stop and switch to a more natural solution.  

You do have to be more hands on though, as that’s just the nature of low income stuff

I just joked with everybody about how much natural light the place had and it worked out.

It's been a bit overwhelming trying to learn everything, but it will become second nature.

John - I have worked with a few people who have done work of this nature and I personally recommend turning those retail spaces into a consumer-focused retail spaces e.g. coffee shops, mini mart (as you suggested), diners, bookstores, ect.