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.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure you have adequate cash reserves.

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.

And in these situations, I ensure that I am adequately compensated for my time, efforts, and stress.

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

We were confident based on research that the employment would come through, and >50% down payment was adequate motivation.

2.5 ton adequate for 1250 sf assuming it is 8 ft ceiling. 

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.