The earlier you start in your RE journey, the better off you will be in the future.

Luckily I am starting out with almost all of those boxes checked off already, however I am considering possibly making the bathroom a little bigger since the shower is at best 30x25" and the toilet is in this little nook that is raised up on a small platform (i'm sure its because the main line to the sewer is on the other side of the house).

If you want a fixer upper at a price you can BRRRR, you're either getting it from a wholesaler (if you're lucky as these are often as overpriced as the MLS these days) or sourcing it yourself off market.

You'll pay off the HELOC or private $$$ when you sell.

It's those deals that fly off the shelf in under 24 hours, but you bought it cause you were first. 

Just a heads up that if you do reach out to too many hosts Airbnb will flag it and you run the risk of being kicked off the platform.

A reverse mortgage can be paid off, but the parents may have trouble obtaining financing as typically a reverse mortgage is received when borrowers have trouble making monthly payments and have little income but lots of equity.

Just know, typically, in commercial transactions, the seller is not likely to be open to footing the bill for your broker.Things I would be curious about: Why is the landlord creating and selling off, effectively, retail condos?  

The plan would be to market the bottom level weekly during the peak season and split the off-season rental monthly and weekly.

That being said I apologize if it came off as derogatory.Its great having you on this forum, 46 years (32 as a licensed contractor) have taught me that I have much still to learn.