I think a triplex to fourplex would be the best bet. 

That’s your best bet to find someone to shadow.

I am not betting on seeing any noticeable appreciation any time soon.

So I think the best bet at the moment is to hold onto the condo for now and eat the $300 dollar a month loss (plus expenses/repairs/etc)  until this current lease is up next summer then attempt to raise the rent and break even while hoping it further appreciates. 

Using cash is like betting on black or red.

My best bet is probably to try and rent it to a family or some young professionals.

That should be additional reserve;  I think I figurre 10% vacancy, that includes lease up fees, and 'make ready' costs...I"ll bet one good thing about Conrad is tenants probably stay long in a nice place!! 

Electric baseboard heat has its pros, but generally a forced-air system is the best bet, seeing as you can run heating and cooling through the same system.

IMO safest bet is probably to do that seeing as then they are the neutral third party responsible for tracking payments, holding the deed of trust, and providing the payoff statement when your client pays off the loan, etc., rather than having the seller do this.

Do the math, I bet you would be better to finance it on your own if you can't pay cash.