Because the hot water tanks and furnace/ac are in the 3 units themselves, the basement is huge and empty.I see a lot of garden units used as airbnb properties, and sectioning off some space and turning it into a little furnished apartment wouldn't be too difficult.

I know other Realtors in that area and they are extremely nervous because that market is not even level or flat, it's just tanking and it's going to be a lot worse.What does the data tell us?

., if the market tanks, if I can't find a tenant for 6 months, if I can't sell it and must rent it, will I still be OK?

Meanwhile, the housing market might tank.

The 110 gallon tub was free, some renters left it behind.The heat exchanger shell was free, it was a 30 gallon water storage tank for an RV.The pump and hose I had sitting around.Fire wood is free.Most of the piping for the exchanger was stuff I had sitting around, but paid about $50 for 50 feet of pipe.Welding consumables, about $10.With a good fire, the water delta is about 30 degrees. 

If the market tanks, you can't afford to sell.

I too have analysis paralysis and have a fear of jumping into the water-afraid of sharks and don't know how to swim.

I just have to make sure utilities and city water/sewer are available on that parcel I am not doing the well and septic tank routine.

Here in California, mistakes on your 3 day notice to perform or quit can tank your eviction and make you liable for damages to the tenant. 

Personally, my ideal strategy for noobs would be waiting until the market tanks, buying 1980s beater SFRs from the bank (REO), tile roof, stucco, 3br 2 ba, ~1400-1600 SF, no HOAs, smallest, crappiest, least expensive house in a good neighborhood ... moving in and fixing up, then after ~2 years turning it into a rental if the market is bad or selling if the market is good.