Is there a better way to find out how many existing units are there in each town, or do I need to drive to each facility and ask?

Happy to chat more—best of luck!

It sounds like a single family house where you will be living in the house(personal use).Therefore, you may not be getting the tax benefits you think you are.Consult an accountant.I am not sure why your sister would agree to this as well, she is losing $170,000 in this transaction and she faces the possibility of you increasing her rent.You also have to charge market rent or close to market rent or it is all deemed personal use.

There are 20+ real estate CPAs commenting in this forum.

Real estate has so many tax benefits and credits available, that I always tell people it's crucial to have a CPA that's extremely knowledgeable in this area.

Appraiser's learned a valuable lesson in 2008 when they were accused of being one of the causes of the great recession.

I did not find them via Bigger Pockets but rather through another investor, who had them quote on project for them. 

@Elias Halvorson the poster actually lives in another country.The pinned Cleveland, OH reference is just what they entered based upon this post:)

This in turn can open up what homes you can buy since the numbers will make more sense when putting 3-5% down instead of 20%. 

In doing this, I've signed up for some free conference calls and webinars.