yeah you are likely looking at art studio/content creation type spaces or maybe some startup that needs a bit of storage or warehousing while they get going. 

Too much risk and variables for me.

Since your in a Townhome I would suggest start looking for a MFH 2-4 unit to move into and you only need 5% down payment. 

Without much experience, I'd advise extreme caution.

This is the most complicated piece because you are essentially the mortgage originator (which might run into licensing concerns depending on how many times you do this and your state), and you need to make sure the person who is buying is a good borrower.3) close with a title company or lawyer (state dependent) who knows how to deal with this type of transaction4) set up an account with a servicer to collect the money from the borrower (not required, but highly recommended from note buyers)5) collect payments

You may need to be a licensed real estate broker/agent to wholesale legally in many jurisdictions7.

I much prefer Silver Spring, Rockville and even DC over them.

The first thing you need to realize is that this is a STR business, not an Airbnb business.

You want to start thinking about everything that can go wrong and put together a process, automate with technology as much as possible. 

I have been looking at listings and market from few months, and understand that we need to take action in order to actually start.