Understanding the physical asset and any unknown issues during your due diligence period could save you money up front (through pricing negotiations with your seller) and allow you to plan more appropriately for the future.

I think it's awesome how your combining your passion for nutrition with the real estate industry by walking through financial and physical freedom.

GFCI outlets don't always fit into old elec boxes because the GFCI are physically much larger than regular outlets and old boxes are usually very small.

However, fixed costs when vacant… The space is on one of the busier intersections but the location is very good in proximity to restaurant (across street), party store walkable, beach park short walk.

The WFH/Uber trends might be changing that, but metro access and DC proximity are still selling points for now. 4.

This is mostly because you are dealing with people that buy into a community to put down permanent roots and don't want to be transient (like renters) and are living in very close proximity with shared walls. 

What would be the best arrangement to eventually acquire the home, while also giving them the security (cash from the sale of their home), a close proximity to friends/family/grandchildren and a smaller home that maintenance would be cared for? 

You could look into owning physical gold and silver, which is a very safe investment, despite what the fluctuations in the market may lead one to believe. 

Also the proximity to the theme parks, generally speaking, is better with condos and townhomes.

If you need a physical local person, I would join local STR Facebook groups and ask who others use.