(Local cabinet shop).Counter top is a toss up depending on quality of expected tenants.  

I once purchased a Philly duplex that was originally zoned as a duplex plus a commercial shop.

Taxes and insurance keep going up, even with my challenging taxes and shopping around for insurance.  

I have a couple clients that are realtors and expressed interest in helping me find a property but is do I need to shop around or work with the people I trust, does it matter what realty company it is?

They can miraculously be "lost" "eaten by the dog" or "stolen by aliens" who never seem to take them back to their space ship but only as far as the nearest pawn shop.

I am going for my BS degree in Construction Management with a minor in business I was thinking of maybe down the road buying or building a small shopping plaza.

Since you have no mortgage why not access a line of credit against that house and shop for your retirement home outside the country.  

Also, you could shop electric providers to determine if you can get a lower rate. 

The location is desirable compared to others in the city and is close to shopping and schools.

http://www.kenbuckery.com/Default.aspx  I agree, we should probably shop around for someone else.