It is still the #1 best, cheapest, most effective strategy to simply negotiate and work with the tenants on a human level.

We don’t make a lot of money, my wife is still in school to become a nurse so she works part time, and I work at an entry level position at a hospital.

The space contains a short common hallway on the first floor, and continues to the 2nd level staircase (top unit entry door is at the top of stairs).

You will need to show income of at least 2x what your mortgage payment will be, and in that whole process treat it as if it will be your new primary residence (in order to benefit from that sweet LTV level). 

I’m currently grappling with which path / options to take and would love all your thoughts – below I have outlined some context of my situation and options.Context:- Currently own 2 properties – my SFH (which I don’t want to move out of) and a condo that is rented (currently to family members which makes it easier)- Have 150k cash + 150k available from a HELOC at 3.75% -- have more available but this is all I want to allocate to REI right now (I say this so you know I’m not being super stretched investing the 300k)- I’m open to investing locally or remotely within the US – we live on the WC approx. 3hrs from SF- My wife and I work demanding 9-5 jobs – we are open and willing to spend material time on this but cannot make it our full-time roles for at least a couple more yearsOptions – I have outlined these in my perceived level of difficulty, would also love you thoughts on that 1.

I'm not sure on the true classification levels of things, but I'd say C/D for sure.

I do not think you will be able to find anything publicly that has that level of detail.

On the plus side, I've learned how straight forward things like pouring concrete self-leveler and laying down vinyl plank flooring can be. 

Our 2nd floor units were equally adequate as all units open to a common hallway with two sets of stairs to the ground level at each end of that hallway. 

Where I am $40K would be enough for a down payment on an entry level (saving some for closing costs).