. :)  we need to get our grand kids over here to help

I think @Mike Dymski has a good approach to it. and i would tackle the exterior and lobby first, first impression of the place is always key. as far as the distance, do you have any kids, relatives or friends that may want/ need a part time job ?

Come the summer, with kids out of school, the kids even come along - and seating gets tight and the courtroom with poor acoustics becomes even worse for hearing the bids.

I care for 3 kids and we travel as much as their schedule allows.

We are in NorthEast Los Angeles so this seems like an area we would like to enjoy and airbnb - we haven't done any STRs so it would be our first, with the hopes that we would also enjoy it as a family while our kids are still at home with us.  

I remember as a kid, when I sobered up after joining the army.

I've done many deals....but I still have to keep myself motivated.... my motivation are my kids and the life I want to achieve for me and my family.

Before worrying about collecting rent, find a few college kids you can actually stand to live with.  

Tell him that if he ever decides to sell his house, he should expect the same courtesy extended to him.Growing up our neighborhood used to have a bully that everyone hated, some of the kids used to wait till he leaves home, then put on vinyl disposable gloves and smear a pile of dog poop all around his front door knob.

Here, I've had a literacy council, habitat for humanity, a ham radio club, an RV club, a senior citizen organization, an organization for kids with disabilities and a cycling club.