I'm sure he can guide you on your search for a competent contractor.

It looks like many of the competing properties have some sort of concessions but not ALL ultilities AND Cable.

Don't step over a dime and get legal advice on this forum, seek competent legal counsel so you don't dig a hole you can't get out of.    

It's hard to compete with a machine like that, ya know.

Storage is great, but education is important as a lot of investors are competing in this sector and as with most asset classes right now good deals are very tough to come by.  

I have the competing interests from the “gig economy” as well as city commuters who are invited to work from home a couple days a week as their corporate jobs increasingly use shared space.We recently renovated a 1 bedroom and had enough space for a small office with window.

Seek out a competent mortgage broker who can walk you through the process and help educate you on your options.   

I will say that most property management companies are going to require you to sign a non-compete agreement that may prevent you from practicing management for 1-2 years after you leave the company (within a certain geographic area) and especially while you are working there, so it may be difficult to start your company while working for another company. 

Visit new home builds as well, especially by the big-name players.

I believe I told you how if you can't get a referral, go to eviction court and approach an attorney you think seems competent not sketchy.