So many questions.Is it manufacturing suits, office space, retail, etc.There are many factors but mostly you look at sustainability.How long are the leases, would you be able to cover all expenses and pay yourself?

Aside from the massive time crunch, other problems cropped up as the bathroom was stripped down - a water line snapped in the crawl space; some drywall had to be replaced; etc.

Can they hold tight a few years and wait for buyers to come back around?

Congrats on joining the real estate space.  

Allow space on your own property. 

It helps you build credibility with other professionals (you know HML, Contractors Etc.)In AZ I learned from my CPA that from the founding of my LLC I can write off my entire cell phone and internet bills at home as they are essential in my home based business of real estate investing, without the LLC I was only allowed to write off the percentage portion based on the square footage designation I gave to my home office space, that is 10% in my case, which I still can use to write off part of my electric and mortgage payments since it is still used as home office.You can start building your brand now, rather than waiting and hoping that no one takes your company name/idea...

Having something in writing is always a good idea, especially outlining what is and isn't shared (e.g. common space, garage, outdoor space) with others.  

Have a space where they have to sign this disclosure - and verbally stress this section when they're signing.

Although I stay away from the low income properties for the most part I know a lot of the guys in that space and could maybe give you some recommendations. 

Given the limited space in the units, I'd expect rather high turnover regardless of where it is located.