Sometimes realtors have creative ideas of their own about how they are willing to structure their commissions.  

Comparing maps is a great idea!

Someone brand new to this site should start listening to the podcasts, subscribe to the newsletter, and start reading through The Ultimate Beginner's Guide  https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investin...You'll get lots more actionable tip ideas once you start going through those resources. 

And thus, sitting here at the office on an extended weekend at 2:30 AM...

Find/Get a Team of members that are critical to help you get things done, are experienced at what you are doing, local, and will return your phone calls promptly.Another thing you ought to get done decides a plan and goals that are both written down and where you will see them and read them every day, have a office located where you will have less distractions.  

The tenants and I have kicked around the idea of selling the home to them however recently they said they are not interested in buying.

Last year was really busy but this year has been really quiet with a drop off in tenants looking for office/retail space.

We have an office in Plainfield and at 91st & Kedzie

(It's actually a property that I've eyed for a couple years, just daydreaming, & reached out to the owner llc during that time but never heard back). tl;dr My idea so far to purchase would be a short term 12-16 month hard money loan, 80% purchase w/ 100% renovation, with private money coming in to fund the 20% & points, refi'ing into a conventional note with my local lender who I have a decent relationship with when the first note balloons. 

The 1st floor condo is currently utilized as a commercial office space and the layout is set-up without a full bath, proper kitchen, etc, but just right for a smaller office.The other 2 units are regular condos for families.I'm trying to figure out what option I am better off with:Option 1: Leaving the first floor unit condo as a commercial space, renovating it and trying to find an office to occupy it.orOption 2: Invest in doing a full kitchen and a full bath to make it a proper Tenant rental.Option 1 seems like it will be more economical but there is a risk it will take longer to find an office to rent the space vs a tenant, and the loss I take on finding that commercial renter may offset what it would cost to re-do the whole unit by investing in a full bath, kitchen, etc.I'm also wondering whether I'm better off having all 3 units be tenant-rental condos if it makes it easier to sell down the road or should I just consider keeping 1st unit as a commercial space and take the chance?