If its a shop local to the area and is not backed by a big hedge fund, you can definitely do some creative deals. 

You can hire an agent just to show and be a body if they are willing, While its not perfect, ChatGPT is a great tool to ask initial questions and get a launching pad (always verify what it tells you)  - @Drew Sygit - Good point about getting someone to help you with screening if they dont have any "skin in the game" so to speak.

Fortunately, for him, he was filthy rich and owned 25 movie theaters, 9 huge shopping centers that eventually had K-Marts in them and he owned huge commercial properties e.g. factories and other commercial buildings.

Along with connecting with governing body to confirm zoning and preliminary site plan. 

My thought is, hopefully, I can get something a little nicer or slightly cheaper by being a 20 to 30 minute drive to Bodie island.

Even though it's been standing for 30 yrs or so, it's one major flood or major erosion event from some major structural failure in my opinion, especially being so close to a body of water.

My job is to fulfill our vision as a complete one stop shop for investors to go from newbie to early retiree.Absolutely, to get there, and to make money, we have to provide so much value that people not only decide to come, but to come back to, our conferences and events.

I may have property that has an old abandoned auto shop I can remodel and repurpose to a commercial kitchen.

Located on the elbow of the shopping center. 

I flew down to the Madison area and stayed with friends while I house shopped.