.#2 - partner with owner in some fashion - we work together for say 5 years -- at the end of 5 years I have the option to buy at an agreed price?

I'm a puppet builder/designer, and if that isn't weird enough, I'm a puppet guy who isn't a weirdo introvert. 

I would also have it set up so you self host it instead of paying a company or web designer to host the site. 

We had to pull permits for everything and were required to submit a design plan for a "general rehab" permit.  

However, you are free to structure the deal in any fashion you want.However, this is absolutely the kind of thing that you will need both a lawyer and an accountant to advise you on.  

I have always loved design, architecture and the idea of making old things beautiful.

I would suspect that most major cities address short term, rooming houses in some form or fashion.

If you continue in this fashion what more could they want??  

One other tip, any Home Depot with a tool rental will have the industrial sized snake designed for clearing sewer lines ... rented for $70 when a pro coming out would charge $300+.

Hello Joe,The best place to go to search for good property manager is the National Association of Residential Property Managers. www.NARPM.org You are able to search for members in the local area and then look for members with designations like Residential Management Professional (RMP) or Master Property Manager (MPM).