If you mean labor you can hire without licensing, workers company, etc, then you can find them standing in front of any large box store, paint store, etc. but keep in mind that many of these tasks you mention require licensed contractors in many states (not all) and when it is required, skipping that is a risk you take.

Also, I recommend picking up a copy of @Craig Curelop’s book, “The House Hacking Strategy” from the BP Store, or audible.

Retail centers typically have higher rents you have to pay versus regular office because you are usually paying  for street frontage and higher traffic levels with better sight lines from the road.If you are buying a building you might look into an SBA loan if you will be occupying 50% of the space or greater.As far as owning you need to evaluate the space where you are currently at.

It's akin to being afraid to go to the store because you're scared of the prices.You're also comparing apples to oranges.

I'm a multi-store owner myself, and I run a website with a bunch of free info and resources for laundromat owners and prospective owners.

The last picture shows how even the items stored next to his bed are covered in thick dust.Would you allow him to stay?

However, one could rehab nicely since it's area is being gentrified pretty rapidly and it's a cute older duplex... hmmmm...Will definitely be running some numbers.I would advise exploring ductless split systems too but don't automatically rule out running regular ductwork.

Instead of having to split my income to make regular mortgage payments (paying my personal off slower) and set money aside for deals, I can put all my income (and potential future proceeds) into my home which allows me to recycle that money relatively easily without having to refi over and over or find private money to keep the cycle going.

So by a certain date you should know what part of the process they are on.Secondly, there should be a centralized data base where all of your info is stored.

Service based retail that is hard to replicate online, such as convenience stores, restaurants, QSR, grocery, wireless stores, dry cleaners, medical offices, hair and nail salons, etc can generate strong risk-adjusted yield compared to apartments.