I have a cousin who has his law firm on the first floor of an old brownstone-like building near the Harris Teater in the old town area of Alexandria. He's been living on the 2nd floor (~850 sq ft), but his family has outgrown that space.

He wants to rent it out, and has been exploring residential rentals. I've encouraged him to consider another commercial rental upstairs like another lawyer or 2, or a photography studio or something similar.

Commercial rents (with many vacancies) are $10-22/sqft in that area from what I've been able to glean. If he were to rent at $4-5/sqft all he would need is one taker and he'd have a tenant working there largely when he's there as well, and wouldn't have the wear-tear on such an old building from a renter's living there 24/7.

It could be a good setup with large room in front, remodeled kitchen, smaller room, bathroom and another bigger room in the back.

We've discussed some of the pitfalls of renting to the average modern renter. Amazon is coming with a big center nearby and, of course there are a lot of military contractors so maybe that's still the better route, but I hope to tap the wisdom of the forum for other thoughts on how to make this best work economically and comprehensively for him, since this isn't what I do for a living.

Just looking at what happened to landlords during COVID and the eviction moratorium should be enough to steer him away from residential tenants.

Agreed, however, not doing anything isn't a valid option.

Yeah, I’d rather have a business renting than a family.