The key is for you to figure out what rental numbers the property can support, and price your offer accordingly.You might talk with neighbors to see how disruptive the kennel is, and find out if they rent and for how much. 

I'm not a CPA so take this advice for what it's worth, but I've done what you're doing and the key here is you said that "three new LLCs that are 100 percent owned subsidiaries of the parent California LLC". 

I'd be curious what kind of agent wants to jeopardize their standing with their board for this "easy money" when the fees are nominal.

When those go out they have a very small building in the middle that tend to not work for most tenants and drive up parking.One of the better uses I have seen on vacant ones is like a Hertz rental car or Enterprise.The key with small commercial properties is knowing rents are below market with the current lease.

The key word is business.

Showing a track record of provable income will become key when it comes time to finance & leverage whatever property you purchase.

There are no shortcuts and honestly, you are not going to follow the advice in the beginning anyway.

I will sure check the appropriate board on BP.

The March 2018 Central Texas Housing Market Report is out from the Austin Board of REALTORS®. 

What are my options for bringing him on board?