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?

@Nicole Jacobson personally I think leveraging real estate to buy stocks is a horrible idea since you said by your own admission that you know nothing about stocks. 

I'm actually considering starting a Triad office in the next 3-6 months because we manage around 100 homes in the area.

Any idea how much I should be paying?

Good idea on adding that in.

I'm toying with the idea of doing the fixes/upgrades and sell it in the spring to find a multi-family to live in while renting out the other units. 

Would joining a real estate investor's association be a good idea?

So I am new to the site, and thought I would get some feedback regarding the lending process and flips.

There are some creative ways and I would love to hear from people on their experiences.

I have been involved wi...