Is airbnb like the only way to get a rental now?

[elhombresinnombre]

If I understand the idea is to buy a small office in tribunales (presumably which are cheap now as the businesses that used to rent them have gone bust) and convert it into a studio apt. These offices usually have only a toilet and washbasin, and sometimes a small kitchen, is $2k enough to make a proper bathroom( with a shower), and a decent small kitchen?
Also do you need to get approvals to change the use from commerical to residential, or in BA doesnt anyone care

AIUI (BICBW) it depends on the status of the building. If it is mixed commercial/residential people just change use at will but if the building is zoned for only one type of use, forget it. TLR - ask a professional.